Special session begins July 28 to handle urgent cases from five South East states
ENUGU – Come Monday, the Federal High Court in Enugu will do something unusual. It’s staying open for business during what’s supposed to be the judicial holiday a seven-week stretch from July 28 to September 16, 2025.
Chief Judge Justice John Terhamba Tsoho gave the green light after the Nigerian Bar Association’s Oji River branch made a compelling case. They weren’t happy about urgent matters getting stuck in limbo every time the courts shut down for vacation.
When Justice Can’t Take a Break
Every year, Nigeria’s courts close for several weeks. It’s tradition. But what happens when someone needs bail? Or when a business dispute could cost millions if left hanging?
That’s what Sir Chukwudi Olemeforo, the NBA Oji River Chairman, was thinking when he wrote to the Chief Judge on June 24. His argument was straightforward people in the South East shouldn’t have to wait months for justice just because judges need a holiday.
Justice Tsoho seems to agree. “The court recognizes the urgency in certain matters and will not allow justice to be delayed due to administrative recess,” he said. Though one might wonder if this sets a precedent that could eventually blur the lines between vacation and regular court sessions.
Who’s Running the Show
Justice M. T. Segun-Bello drew the short straw or perhaps the honor, depending on how you look at it. She’ll handle cases from all five South East states:
- Abia
- Anambra
- Ebonyi
- Enugu
- Imo
But not just any case will make the cut. The court appears particularly interested in:
- People seeking bail (imagine being stuck in detention for two months waiting for courts to reopen)
- Rights violation claims that can’t wait
- Business disputes where time really is money
- Electoral matters though it’s unclear why these would be urgent in 2025
Interestingly, this is Enugu’s first vacation sitting since 2023. Back then, it was all about post-election fights. Different times, different emergencies.
How It Actually Works
If you’re a lawyer with an urgent case, you can’t just show up on July 28 expecting to be heard. Applications need to go through the Enugu Federal High Court registry beforehand. How far beforehand? The court hasn’t said, which might cause some confusion.
Catherine Oby Christopher from the court’s information desk assured everyone they’ll have enough staff. “The Federal High Court remains committed to timely justice delivery and the rule of law, even during vacation periods,” she said.
Still, vacation courts are meant to be the exception, not the rule. Lagos and Abuja have done this before usually for the headline-grabbing stuff like corruption trials or terrorism cases. Makes you wonder what qualifies as “urgent enough” in Enugu.
What This Really Means
Lawyers across the South East are breathing easier. Some of them, anyway. With potentially thousands of cases backlogged in the region, even a skeleton crew keeping the lights on could make a difference.
But there’s another side to consider. Court staff need breaks too. And while Justice Segun-Bello handles urgent matters in Enugu, her regular caseload presumably waits. It’s a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
The regular circus I mean, court session picks up again September 17, when everyone’s back from vacation and the system returns to its normal, overwhelmed state. Until then, at least some wheels of justice will keep turning in Enugu. Slowly, perhaps, but turning nonetheless.
By Abdullah Korede
