•Late Chief Judge Abutu
Normal court activities will dwindle from July 28, when all Federal High Court divisions across the country are expected to proceed on the court’s annual vacation.
The court’s spokesperson, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, who announced this in two separate statements today, also disclosed the death of Federal High Court’s former Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu on June 3 at about 79 years old, having been born on March 15, 1946, reports The Nation.
The first statement reads: “By virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honorable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, KSS, FCIArb. (UK) in an official circular, announced the 2025 annual vacation and roster for vacation judges.
“The vacation will commence from Monday, the 28th day of July 2025, to Tuesday, the 16th day of September, 2025. The court shall resume sitting on Wednesday, the 17th day of September, 2025.
“During the vacation period, the core divisions – Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt judicial fivisions will remain functional for cases of extreme urgency.
“Consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach only the above listed Courts located nearest to them.
“The vacation judges are: Abuja – Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice M. S. Liman; Lagos – Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu and Justice Musa Kakaki; Port- Harcourt – Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed.
“The Chief Judge wishes his fellow lordships a pleasant vacation in advance.”
The second statement reads: “The Federal High Court of Nigeria announces with deep sorrow, the passing of her esteemed former Chief Judge, the Hon. Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu.
“According to family sources, he died on 3rd June, 2025 after a brief illness. He hailed from Kogi State and was born on 15th March, 1946.
“The late Chief Judge served the court and the nation with distinction. He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and administrative excellence.
“His leadership and contributions have left indelible marks on the Judiciary and the legal community at large.
“The Federal High Court extends her heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and all who were touched by his exemplary life and service.
“Further announcements would be made available in due course. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
