Federal High Court Abolishes Charging of Fees For Human Rights Cases

The Federal High Court has abolished the charging of all forms of fees for cases relating to human rights across the country.

The court announced this in a circular issued by an Assistant Chief Registrar (Litigation), Jane Egbo, on the instruction of the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho.

The circular, titled: “Re; Monetary claims and default fees in fundamental right applications,” reads

“I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice J. T. Tsoho to inform all DCRs (Deputy. Chief Registrars) and Station Registrars that henceforth, monetary claims and default fees in respect of fundamental human rights applications should no longer be charged.

“Be so informed and comply accordingly.”

Before now, applicants in fundamental rights enforcement cases were charged filing fees, among other fees, as applicable in civil cases.