The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has directed an indefinite shutdown of court as the number of cases of covid-19 infection continues to grow in Nigeria.
The directive issued today, April 6, 2020 became necessary as the first two weeks suspension of court activities expires tomorrow, April 7.
“In view of the fact that the initial two weeks suspension of courts sittings will expire on 7th April 2020, I hereby extend the suspension of court sittings till further notice, given the lockdown measure put in place by Federal and some state governments to curb the spread of COVID-19,” the CJN’s statement read in part.
He however noted that courts would continue to sit on urgent and time-bound matters.
“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,” the CJN, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council.