Acting President Appeal Court, Justice M.B Dongban-Mensem, Issues Operational Directive Following Buhari’s Directive On COVID-19

The Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M. B. Dongban-Mensem has issued an interim practice directive to the effect that all matters pending before the Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun State cease in compliance thereof of the President’s directive on COVID-19.

The operation practice directive was issued by the President of the Pen-Ultimate Court and dated the 30th day of March 2020.

He also added that all Court proceedings for states not mentioned in the Presidential lockdown Directive of 30/03/2020 shall continue inline the Directives issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Dr. Tanko Muhammad CFR on 23/03/2020.

“Following the 14 days lockdown Directive of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with effect from 11:00 pm 30/03/2020, I hereby issue an interim practice directive that all matters pending before the Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun State cease in compliance thereof.

“Meanwhile, all Court proceedings for states not mentioned in the Presidential lockdown Directive of 30/03/2020 shall continue inline the Directives issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Dr. Tanko Muhammad CFR on 23/03/2020.

“The Bench and the Bar are enjoined to strictly observe the guidelines on social distancing as directed by the National Centre for Disease Control. Counsel and litigants present in Court should be limited to 20 person maximum at all times.

“The Use of ICT via online communication is hereby encouraged as much as practicable to ameliorate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”