Federal High Court announces 2026 annual vacation, names vacation judges

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, John Terhemba Tsoho, has approved and announced the court’s 2026 Annual Vacation, which is scheduled to commence on July 27 and end on September 11, 2026.

The announcement was made in accordance with Order 46, Rule 4(d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Despite the annual vacation, judicial services will continue for urgent matters through designated Vacation Courts in key judicial divisions across the country. The Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu divisions will remain operational during the vacation period to handle cases requiring immediate judicial attention.

The court advised members of the public and legal practitioners to file and prosecute only urgent matters at the designated Vacation Courts nearest to them.

To ensure uninterrupted access to justice, the Chief Judge designated specific judges to sit during the vacation period.

In the Abuja Division, the designated judges are Hon. Justice J.O. Abdulmalik and Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu. The Lagos Division will be served by Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko and Hon. Justice Ogazi F. Nkemakonam.

For the Port Harcourt Division, Hon. Justice P.M. Ayua and Hon. Justice A.T. Mohammed have been assigned, while Hon. Justice F.O.G. Ogunbanjo and Hon. Justice M.T. Segun-Bello will preside over urgent matters in the Enugu Division.

The announcement provides clarity for litigants and legal practitioners planning court-related activities during the vacation period, while ensuring that urgent legal matters continue to receive prompt judicial attention.

The notice was signed by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Director of Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria, on June 10, 2026.