The Federal High Court of Nigeria has told judges to adopt virtual proceedings for court cases in all its judicial divisions.
The Chief Judge of the FHC, Hon. Justice J. Tsoho made this known in a release on monday.
In the new 2020 Practice Directions for the COVID-19 Period made available to BarristerNG, the CJ noted that the Directions takes effect 18th, May, 2020.
The Practice Direction reads in part “Virtual proceeding is hereby adopted for adjudication in the Federal High Court.
“Virtual proceedings can be either by Zoom, Skype or any other audio-visual platform approved by the Court.
“Service of court processes may be effected by e-mails, WhatsApp or as may be directed by the Court, and shall be deemed as good service.
“Service of hearing notices may be effected by e-mail, WhatsApp, text messages or as may be directed by the Court
“The print out of same shall be sufficient proof of service.
“Face Masks must be properly worn by everyone within the court premises to cover their mouths and noses at all times.
“Every person within the premises of the court and inside the court room shall observe the requirement of social and physical distancing of not less than 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other,
“At any given time, there shall not be a congregation of more than ten (10) within the Court premises, except for purposes of court sittings.
“There shall not be more than twenty (20) persons inside the court room including the court staff and counsel at court sittings.”
Download the full Practice Direction Below released today
FHC-PRACTICE-DIRECTION-2020-FOR-COVID1900010 (1)
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
