By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria will begin their Christmas vacation on Friday, 19 December 2025, with court sessions scheduled to resume across the country on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement signed by the Court’s Director of Information, Mrs Catherine Oby Christopher. She noted that the schedule was prepared in line with 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.
“In accordance with a circular duly signed by the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Court will commence its Christmas Vacation for the year 2025 on Friday, 19th December 2025.”
It added: “This vacation schedule is issued pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
“Court sittings shall resume in all Judicial Divisions on Wednesday, 7th January 2026.”
While the courts will officially be on holiday, key judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain open throughout the period to handle specific urgent matters.
“During the vacation, the core Judicial Divisions. Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. will remain operational and accessible to the litigating public.
“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.”
The roster lists the judges assigned to handle cases throughout the break. For the Abuja division, Justices Emeka Nwite and Mohammed S. Liman will oversee proceedings. In Lagos, Justices Akintayo Aluko and Isaac D. Dipeolu will be on duty, while Port Harcourt will have Justices P. M. Ayua and A.T Mohammed. Enugu will have Justice Folasade Ogunbanjo as its designated vacation judge.
The Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, extends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges.