RE: PREVENTION MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICE, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURT
Posted on: Sunday, 12th Apr, 2020
RE: PREVENTION MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICE, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURT
Your Lord will recall that in the tandem with the COVID-19 Regulations 2020 and as a preventive measure on the spread of the virus in the country, I had by Circular No. NJC/CIR/HOC/11/631 dated 23rd March, 2020 directed all Heads of Court to suspend Court sitting for an initial period of two weeks from 24th March, 2020.
2. In view of the fact that the initial period of two weeks suspension of court sitting 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 the Federal and some States Governments to curb the spread of COVID-19.
3. Your Lordships are however to note that Courts are expected to sit particularly, to dispense matter that are urgent, essential or time-bound in line with our extent laws.
4. Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all Stakeholders in justice administration, please.
Hon. Dr. Justice I. T. Muhammed, CFR
CHief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council.