Lending support to the effort to control the coronavirus pandemic, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Honourable Justice Tanko Muhammad, CFR has ordered the immediate closure of all courts in Nigeria an initial period of two weeks.
Notice to this effect is contained in a circular issued today by the CJN and addressed to all heads of courts.
“Further to my earlier Circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629 dated 20th March, 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 tomorrow, the 24th day of March, 2020, directed to suspend court sittings for an initial period of two weeks at the first instance, 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, please.”
Being the head of all courts in Nigeria, the CJN’s directive would supersede all other notices earlier issued by the various courts in Nigeria.