The National Judicial Council on Monday suspended Court sittings for an initial period of two weeks in the first instance.
The statement was signed by Justice Tanko Muhammad, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of NJC.
He said this was a preventive measure to curb the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) and for the protection of Justices, Judges and staff of courts.
The statement reads in part:
“Further to my earlier Circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629 dated March 20, 2020, on the above subject matter: In view of the reality of the COVID-19 in the country and in order to take further preventive steps, all Heads of Courts are, from March 24, 2020, directed to suspend all court sittings, except in matters that are urgent, essential or time bound according to our extant laws.”
“Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all stakeholders in justice administration.”
In his earlier circular dated March 20, the CJN noted that COVID-19 and its spread in Nigeria has become a source of concern to all.
“Consequently, both the Federal and State Health Authorities have taken steps to mitigate the spread in the Country.
“The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had continued to issue advisories to stem the spread of the disease which has no known cure. This is a matter of grave concern to the entire Nigeria Judiciary.”
