A mysterious fire disrupted proceedings at the Supreme Court, causing a 7-man panel of Justices, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, to hastily leave the courtroom in search of safety.
The incident occurred as the apex court was nearing the conclusion of a case involving First Bank of Nigeria. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Amechi Nwaiwu, spotted the fire gradually engulfing the left wing of the court, leading to panic among those present.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria ordered the case to be put on hold, and the justices retreated to their chambers. Court attendees, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, sought safety through the double exit points of the court.
Efforts by lawyers and court officials eventually brought the situation under control. The cause of the fire remained a mystery, although some attributed it to issues with the court’s electrical wiring system.
A court clerk noted that incidents of occasional sparks during proceedings had been occurring at the Supreme Court since the previous year. The court adjourned briefly due to the incident and reconvened later.
Prominent legal figures present at the court during the incident included Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the national President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief J.B Daudu, SAN, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and Yusuf Ali, SAN, among others.
