The chief Judge of Abia state, Justice Onuoha Ogwe, has restricted free entry into the premises of High and magistrates Courts in the state.
Ogwe, in a statement by the Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice Umuahia, stated that the directive was in line with the need to safeguard the general public from the Corona virus pandemic in the Country.
He directed all courts sitting in the state to stop members of the public from entering into the Court premises, expect those who have come to file urgent matters and applications.
The statement also said only parties whose cases are to be heard, their witnesses and counsels will be allowed into the court room at any sitting, subject to a maximum of twenty persons altogether.
Also in criminal matters, only remand/bail Applications and overnight cases will be heard, while in civil cases, only ex-parte and urgent application, adoption of written address, Judgment and rulings will be entertained.
The statement added that further directives will be issued as the situation warrants.