Section 257 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria

Section 257 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 is about Jurisdiction. It is under D (The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) of Part I (Federal Courts) of Chapter VII (The Judicature) of the Constitution.

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 251 and any other provisions of this Constitution and in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by law, the High Court of the Federal Capital
Territory, Abuja shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil proceedings in which the existence or extent of a legal right, power, duty, liability, privilege, interest, obligation or claim is in issue or to hear and determine any criminal proceedings involving or relating to any penalty, forfeiture, punishment or other liability in respect of an offence committed by any person.

(2) The reference to civil or criminal proceedings in this section includes a reference to the proceedings which originate in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and those which are brought before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to be dealt with by the Court in the exercise of its appellate or supervisory jurisdiction.

Credit: Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)