NewsNigeriaFire Guts Supreme Court Complex, Police Launch An Investigation

The fire incident that gutted part of the Supreme Court building did not affect the presidential election petition tribunal.

Fire engulfed some sections of the apex court in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, but was put under control by the police and firefighters.

Director of Press and Information of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande, while speaking with journalists said only one chamber of the Supreme Court was affected by the fire, which was subsequently doused.

“What was destroyed in that chamber were books, stationery, and other computer gadgets. The books are replaceable because we have an e-library.

“We have the soft copy of the books and also the hard copy which can be procured and supplied to the chamber. So it has nothing to do with the Presidential Election Petition, as people are saying outside. Such issues as presidential election matters are not discussed in the chamber, inside the court,” Akande said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation to unravel the cause of the inferno at the Supreme Court on Monday morning.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said chambers belonging to two judges were affected by the fire.

She said the properties destroyed during the fire were yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

“On September 25, 2023, at about 7 am there was a fire incident at the Supreme Court. The situation is under control, and the fire service and police officers are all on the ground.

“Only two chambers of two judges were affected, at the moment properties destroyed are yet to be ascertained. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by appropriate authorities, and further information will be communicated later.”

Festus Akande, Supreme Court spokesman, had attributed the incident to an electrical fault,” Adeh said.