Lawyers, Staff Flee Imo High Court Over Structural Concerns

Legal proceedings at the Imo State High Court in Owerri were abruptly halted on Friday as over twenty lawyers and court staff evacuated a three-story building within the court premises due to safety concerns.

According to The Nation, the affected building, reportedly erected during the tenure of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, is said to exhibit noticeable vibrations, raising fears of possible structural failure.

Citing safety concerns, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri branch has called for a one-week suspension of activities at the Justice Oputa High Court due to structural defects in the building.

Speaking to lawyers and litigants at the courthouse, NBA Owerri Chairman, Barrister Chris Ihentuge, revealed that the building has been experiencing vibrations during court sessions, raising fears about its stability.

“I have been reliably informed that while court was sitting yesterday, the building was vibrating. I made calls to the Chief Registrar, and she confirmed that Justice Onyeukwu complained and informed her about the incident.

“I also heard from another judge that two days ago the same thing happened, and this issue has been lingering even before this building was put to use; there were complaints about structural defects in the building and we complained, but nothing happened,” Ihentuge stated.

He insisted that court activities should be suspended for at least a week to allow experts to assess the building’s safety.

“So, we are saying for now, we should suspend, at least for one week, the use of this building until the proper thing is done. The proper thing is to let experts come and certify that this building is fit. We cannot risk our lives. One week will not kill us. Let us suspend activities in this building.

“Let it be on record that the NBA Owerri branch has warned lawyers and litigants that it is risky to use this building as it is now. That is why we are complaining that a Chief Judge should be appointed for the Imo State Judiciary,” he added.

The NBA Owerri chairman further warned legal practitioners and litigants of the risks involved in continuing proceedings in the unsafe structure.

He also lamented the deteriorating state of judicial facilities, noting that judges struggle to function due to inadequate lighting, poor ventilation, and a lack of basic amenities.

“There are lots of things to complain about. You cannot walk these stairs during the daytime without a torchlight. Judges are not sitting because they don’t have lights. You remove your wig and gown because there is no fan. Nothing is working, and that is our position. So, this building, for now, is not safe, and that is our position for now,” Ihentuge lamented.

He also decried the prolonged absence of a Chief Judge in Imo State, stating that the leadership vacuum has worsened the judiciary’s challenges.

“A situation where we don’t have a Chief Judge going into three months now is not acceptable. Let all well-meaning Imolites say something about this. We cannot remain without a leader, and that is what is causing all these problems. Who do you complain to?” he questioned, urging concerned stakeholders to speak out against the situation.