From Godwin Tsa Abuja
All divisions of the Federal High Court across the country are expected to proceed on the court’s annual vacation on July 28.
The court’s spokesperson, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, announced this in a statement yesterday.
On a sad note, another statement from her announced the death of Federal High Court’s former Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu, who died on June 3 at 79 years old, having been born on March 15, 1946
The first statement in the court vacation read: “By virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, KSS, FCIArb. (UK) in an official circular, announced the 2025 annual vacation and roster for vacation judges.
The vacation will commence from Monday, July 28, 2025, to Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The court shall resume sitting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“During the vacation period, the core divisions, Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt judicial divisions, will remain functional for cases of extreme urgency.
Consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach only the above listed courts located nearest to them.
The vacation judges are Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice M. S. Liman; Lagos, Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu and Justice Musa Kakaki; Port- Harcourt, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed.
“The Chief Judge wishes his fellow lordships a pleasant vacation in advance.”
On the demise of the former Chief Judge of the court, Justice Abutu, the statement read: “The Federal High Court of Nigeria announces with deep sorrow, the passing of her esteemed former Chief Judge, the Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu.
“According to family sources, he died on June 3, 2025 after a brief illness. He hailed from Kogi State and was born on March 15, 1946.
“The late Chief Judge served the court and the nation with distinction. He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and administrative excellence.
“His leadership and contributions have left indelible marks on the judiciary and the legal community at large.
“The Federal High Court extends her heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and all who were touched by his exemplary life and service.
“Further announcements would be made available in due course. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”