NJC Preventive Measures on the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) and the Protection of Justices, Judges and Staff of Courts

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BY SAM ELEANYA, FOR TREE & TREES JUSTICEMEDIA GROUP

PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID – 19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICES, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURTS

Circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629

20^th March, 2020

PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID – 19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICES, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURTS

1. As Your Lordships are aware, the COVID-19 Virus and its spread in Nigeria has become a source of concern to all.  Consequently, both the Federal and State Health Authorities have taken steps to mitigate the spread in the Country.  The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had continued to issue advisories to stem the spread of the disease which has no known cure.

• This is a matter of grave concern to the entire Nigeria Judiciary. Courts are expected to sit in Public which becomes a veritable source for large gathering by those who come to Court while carrying out its constitutional duties. The NCDC had recommended the cessation of all gathering in excess of 50 people because of the risks it poses.

• Consequently, Your Lordships are expected to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Justices, Judges and all Staff within your jurisdiction in view of the risk such large gatherings may pose. As you all know, the Courts are expected to continue sitting, however, as much as possible, efforts must be made to ensure that crowd attending such sittings do not exceed the recommended number.  For those States where the State Governments have issued further guidelines, such guidelines must be addressed to ensure concerted and coordinated efforts in the prevention of the spread of this disease.

• Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all the Judges in your jurisdiction, please.

Hon. Dr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR

Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman,

National Judicial Council.

23^RD March 2020

RE: PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID – 19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICES, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURTS

1. Further to my earlier Circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629 dated 20^th 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 24^th 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.

Hon. Dr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR

Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman,

National Judicial Council.

6^th April, 2020

RE: PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) AND THE PROTECTION OF JUSTICES, JUDGES AND STAFF OF COURTS.

1. Your Lordship will recall that in tandem with COVID-19 Regulations 2020 and as a preventive measure on the spread of the virus in the country, I had by Circular No. NJC/CIR/HOC/11/631 dated 23^rd March, 2020 directed all Heads of Courts to suspend Court sittings for an initial period of two weeks from 24^th March, 2020.

• In View of the fact that the initial period of two weeks suspension of Courts sittings will expire on 7^th April, 2020, I hereby extend the suspension of Court sittings till further notice, given the lockdown measure put in place by Federal and some state governments to curb the spread of COVID-19.

• Your Lordships are however to note that Courts are expected to sit particularly, to dispense matters that are urgent, essential or time bound in line with our extant laws.

• Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all Stakeholders in the Justice administration, please.

 Hon Dr Justice I.T Muhammad ,CFR.

Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman,

National Judicial Council.

LIST OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS OF NIGERIA

LAWS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA