The National Judicial Council has decided to extend the suspension of court sittings across the country until further notice, in light of the Coronavirus lockdown order.
This extension was communicated in a circular to all heads of courts, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, on Tuesday, April 7.
However, the CJN mentioned that courts should still convene when dealing with matters that are urgent, essential, or time-bound in accordance with existing laws.
The circular stated: “In line with the COVlD-19 Regulations 2020 and as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus in the country, the CJN had previously directed all heads of courts to suspend court sittings for an initial period of two weeks from March 24, 2020, in circular No. NJC/CIR/HOC/11/656, dated March 23, 2020.”
“As the initial period of two weeks suspension of court sittings was set to expire on April 7, 2020, I hereby extend the suspension until further notice, due to the lockdown measures implemented by the federal and some states governments to curb the spread of COVlD-19.”
“Courts are expected to convene to address urgent, essential, or time-bound matters in accordance with our constitution,” the circular further emphasized.
“Your compliance with this directive, and bringing the content of this circular to the attention of all justice administration stakeholders, is hereby requested.”