Imo State Court at the Verge of Collapse, Lawyers and Judges Flee

Lawyers and judges in Imo State evacuated the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa building at the state high court due to concerns about its potential collapse.

At a press briefing on Friday, Chris Ihentuge, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Owerri, shared that reports of the building vibrating during court sessions prompted this decision.

Ihentuge mentioned that he had previously informed Governor Hope Uzodimma about the building’s deteriorating condition two weeks ago. The governor assured him that engineers would be dispatched for an inspection.

Concerns regarding structural defects were raised during the building’s construction but were never addressed, Ihentuge noted. As a precautionary measure, court sessions will be suspended for one week to allow experts to assess the building’s safety.

“We cannot continue to risk our lives. One week will not harm us,” Ihentuge stated.

Additionally, he urged the state government to appoint a Chief Judge, highlighting that the position has been vacant for three months.