Federal High Court Announces December 19 Start Date for Christmas Holiday

The Federal High Court (FHC) will commence its 2025 Christmas vacation on December 19, with court sittings scheduled to resume across all judicial divisions on January 7, 2026.

Dr. Catherine Christopher, the FHC’s Director of Information, stated this on Monday in Abuja, explaining that the schedule follows a circular signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. The circular, titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges,” outlines the approved roster of vacation judges.

According to the notice, the vacation is issued under Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended). During this period, only matters involving the enforcement of fundamental rights, vessel arrests or releases, and issues of urgent national importance will be handled by vacation judges.

The core judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain operational and accessible to the public throughout the vacation. In Abuja, Justices Emeka Nwite and Musa Liman will serve as vacation judges; in Lagos, Justices Akintayo Aluko and Isaac Dipeolu; in Port Harcourt, Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed; and in Enugu, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo.

Dr. Christopher noted that Chief Judge John T. Tsoho extended warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all judges.

This annual vacation allows federal courts, like other government institutions, to manage reduced activities during the festive period while maintaining essential services