By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, has extended the suspension of court proceedings until further notice.
He has earlier directed that court proceedings be suspended for initial period of two weeks (March 24 to April 7) in all judicial divisions across Nigeria following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus and measures put in place to stem the tide of infection which includes social distancing and no gatherings.
The extension order was made public in a statement personally signed by the CJN on Monday evening.
The CJN explained that the decision to extend the suspension period became necessary because of the measures in place to fight COVID-19.
“In view of the fact that the initial two weeks suspension of courts sittings will expire on 7th April 2020, I hereby extend the suspension of court sittings till further notice, given the lockdown measure put in place by Federal and some State governments to curb the spread of COVID 19.
“Your lordships are, however, to note that courts are expected to sit particularly to dispense matters that are urgent, essential or time-bound in line with our extant laws.”
Recall that judiciary workers were asked to stay at home with effect from Wednesday 25th of March for a period of 14 days in the first instance, and thereafter the prevailing situation will determine whether the stay-at-home would be extended or not.
The Admin Judge Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, Justice Liman, had said that the stay-at-home directive was in compliance of the Federal Government order which was further amplified by the Chief Justice of Nigeria through a circular.
“There will be no regular court sittings, however, urgent cases such as Ex-parte applications, fundamental rights and admiralty cases will be entertained during the period.
“The number of court registrars coming to work will be reduced to about two and a stenographer in each court while only the Registry and Cash/Finance departments will be operational during the period. Attendance of workers that remain will be rotational on the basis of on duty today and off the next day.
He also instructed the security team to deny access to anybody, including lawyers and litigants, except those on serious appointment which must be done immediately the person enters the court premises and leaves as quickly as possible. “Security must be convinced of the importance of the issue for which the person is coming for, before allowing access to anybody.”
