Section of Nigeria’s Supreme Court complex on fire; caused by electrical fault _ Spokesman

A section of Nigeria’s Supreme Court building complex is said to be on fire at the Three Arms Zone Abuja, with three justices having their offices allegedly razed.

Three offices, including that of Justice Mohammed Saulawa, were reported burnt by the fire but no casualty was reported. However, the fire outbreak has been significantly brought under control.

The heavy smoke which spiraled into the sky was seen by onlookers as staff of the apex court who came to work early, scampered for safety.

The Public Relations Officer for the Court, Mr Festus Akande, who spoke to Channels Television on telephone says the cause of the fire was electrical from one of the chambers of the Justices and was put out with the use of fire extinguishers.

And explaining further when quizzed on ARISE television talk show programme, The Morning Show today, September 25, 2023 reiterated that the incidence which happened between 7 and 8 pm this morning was caused by electrical fault. He said staff responded in time using fire extinguishers in the building before the arrival of fire fighters.

“It affected only one chamber, not 3 or 4 as reportedly speculated in the social media. Staff are on their seats, no need to evacuate anyone. I am speaking from my office. The staff were able to douse the fire in good time with minimal damage.

And responding to a cue on the probability of having a connection with the presidential election tribunal case, he said there is no single connection and it will not affect subsequent proceedings of the apex court

Akande added that the stories making the rounds on social media that there are casualties are “fake news”.