Virtual Sessions
Virtual sessions have been authorised for Judges in Nigeria Federal High Courts, (FHC) for cases in its jurisdiction since lockdown and social distancing order issued because of the Coronavirus pandemic is still in effect.
This directive is contained in the new 2020 Practice Directive for C)VID-19 Period as issued by the Chief Judge (CJ) Justice John Tsoho.
The virtual sessions have been approved with some guidelines like the acceptance by both parties and hearing not more than nine cases in a day.
The CJ also added that the proceedings from the virtual sessions should be stated on the Cause List and posted on the FHC website while the counsel and parties involved get the proceedings by any electronic means like e-mail.
Justice Tosho also stressed that despite the new directive at the FHC, social distancing and wearing of facemasks rules should be strictly adhered to.
“Every person within the premises of the court and inside the courtroom shall observe the requirement of social distancing of not less than 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other.
