Lockdown: CJN Extends Closure Of Courts Indefinitely

As part of preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has directed that all courts in the county be shut indefinitely.

The CJN gave the new directive after the expiry of the two weeks earlier given for courts to be shut down.

The new directive was contained in a Circular with Ref No. NJC/ CIR/HOC/11/656 and addressed to all Heads of Courts, Federal and State Juduciaries by the CJN.

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The Circular dated April 6, 2020 reads in part, “Your Lordship will recall that in tandem with the COVID-19 Regulations 2020 and as 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 Courts to suspend Court sitting for an initial period of two weeks from March 24, 2020.

“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 sitting till further notice, given the lockdown measure put in place by the Federal Government 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.

“Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of the Circular to the notice of all Stakeholders in justice administration, please.”