FHC 2026 Easter vacation commences April 7th
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Federal High Court of Nigeria on Friday announced the commencement of its 2026 Easter vacation and vacation judges within the period.
The short vacation which is held annually during Easter period is approved by the Honourable Chief Judge of the Court, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb(UK), pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
According to a circular issued and signed by the Chief Judge, the Court shall proceed on its Easter Vacation for the year 2026 from Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 to Monday, April 13th, 2026 and resume normal sittings on Tuesday April 14th, 2026 in all Judicial divisions.
The Chief Judge also approved the roster for vacation judges for Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Enugu core Judicial divisions during the period of vacation to entertain only matters relating to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights; arrest or release of vessels; and matters concerning dire national interest.
Moreover, the Vacation Judges and Heads of Divisions are advised, as usual, to promptly refer to the Honourable Chief Judge any matter requiring His Lordship’s urgent attention and directives.
Furthermore, the dates stated herein supersede any dates previously circulated or obtained from other sources.
The Hon Chief Judge, Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), used the period to wish his brother Judges and the entire judiciary a wonderful Easter holidays in advance.
The circular released by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Director Information,
Federal High Court of Nigeria, on Friday March 6, 2026. reads:
Notification Of 2026 Easter Vacation And Roster For Vacation Judges
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby announces its 2026 Easter Vacation and the Roster for Vacation Judges.
“According to a circular issued and signed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), the Court shall proceed on its Easter Vacation for the year 2026 from Tuesday, 7 April 2026 to Monday, 13 April 2026.
“This is pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
“The Court shall resume normal sittings on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in all Judicial Divisions.
“During the vacation period, the Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu core Judicial Divisions shall remain open to the public strictly for matters of extreme urgency.
“It should be noted that only matters relating to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights; arrest or release of vessels; and matters concerning dire national interest shall be entertained by the Vacation Judges during the period.
“The following Honourable Judges have been designated to serve as Vacation Judges:
ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION
Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite
Hon. Justice Musa S. Liman
LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION
Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko
Hon. Justice Ogazi F. Nkemakonam
PORT HARCOURT JUDICIAL DIVISION
Hon. Justice Phoebe M. Ayua
Hon. Justice Adamu T. Mohammed
ENUGU JUDICIAL DIVISION
Hon. Justice Mabel T. Segun-Bello
“The Vacation Judges and Heads of Divisions are advised, as usual, to promptly refer to the Honourable Chief Judge any matter requiring His Lordship’s urgent attention and directives.
“Furthermore, the dates stated herein supersede any dates previously circulated or obtained from other sources.
“The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), wishes his brother Judges and the entire judiciary a wonderful Easter holidays in advance”.
