The Nigerian Government has shut down all courts in the country.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, on Monday ordered the closure of all courts beginning from Tuesday.
This is part of precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 otherwise known as Coronavirus.
The closure is for the initial period of two weeks but would be reviewed in due course.
The circular addressed to all heads of courts in the land said the court’s will only be open for urgent and time bound cases.
A circular reads, “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.”
