The Federal High Court will commence its 2025 Christmas vacation on December 19, with regular sittings scheduled to resume on January 7, 2026.
This was announced in Abuja on Monday by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, who stated that the vacation schedule follows a circular approved by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.
In the statement titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges,” the court said the break was in line with the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
“The Federal High Court hereby issues notice of its 2025 Christmas Vacation as well as the approved roster of Vacation Judges,” the statement read.
“Court sittings shall resume in all judicial divisions on January 7, 2026.”
Despite the vacation, the court noted that its major judicial divisions — Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt — will remain operational to handle urgent matters
According to Dr. Christopher, only cases relating to the enforcement of fundamental human rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and other matters of urgent national importance will be heard during the break.
She also released the roster of judges who will sit during the vacation period.
In the Abuja Division, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman will preside.
For the Lagos Division, vacation duties will be handled by Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu.
In Port Harcourt, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed will sit, while Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo will oversee matters at the Enugu Division.
The Chief Judge, Justice Tsoho, extended his goodwill to judges across the country.
“The Honourable Chief Judge sends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges,” the statement added.
The court also noted that several federal ministries, departments, and agencies traditionally scale down operations during the festive season, adjusting work schedules while ensuring critical services remain uninterrupted.
