The Federal High Court (FHC) has declared that its 2025 Christmas vacation will commence on December 19, with court sittings scheduled to resume on January 7, 2026, across all judicial divisions. This announcement was made public by Dr Catherine Christopher, the FHC’s Director of Information, in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.
Dr Christopher explained that the vacation notice and the roster for vacation judges were issued in line with a circular signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. She stated, “The Federal High Court hereby issues notice of its 2025 Christmas Vacation as well as the approved Roster of Vacation Judges. The court will commence its Christmas Vacation for the year 2025 on December 19.”
The vacation schedule follows Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended). While the majority of judicial activities will pause during this period, the core judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain operational and accessible to the public.
Dr Christopher further clarified the scope of cases to be entertained during the vacation. “Only matters pertaining to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and issues of urgent national importance shall be entertained by the vacation judges,” she said.
The roster of vacation judges includes:
Abuja Division: Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman
-Lagos Division: Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu
Port Harcourt Division: Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed
Enugu Judicial Division: Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo
In closing, Dr Christopher conveyed the warm wishes of the Chief Judge, saying, “The Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), extends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges.”
It is customary for various federal ministries, departments, and agencies to scale down operations during the festive season, with adjusted work schedules or temporary breaks. This practice ensures that essential services remain available while managing reduced activities.
