The Chief judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho has authorised the adoption of virtual proceedings for court cases in all its judicial divisions

According to the new directive, Judges of the Federal High Court are expected not to hear more than nine cases in a day. This became necessary due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The virtual proceedings which can be either be done on Zoom, Skype or any other audio-visual platform approved by the Court can only hold with the consent of the parties and their counsels.

The Judge and counsel in such proceedings must also be involved.

Tsoho said;

“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.  Where parties and counsel agree to virtual proceedings in a case, he directed them to liaise with the court’s Registrar to schedule the hearings.

“Cases for virtual proceedings shall then be stated on the Cause List, posted on the FHC website and communicated to counsel and parties, either by e-mail or any other electronic means.

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“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.”