Imo magistrate court on fire

On Sunday, fire caught a section of the Owerri Magistrate Court in Imo State.

Barely 24 hours after the Orlu High Court was burnt by hoodlums.

The Magistrate’s court, located at the heart of the state capital along Owerri-Orlu Road, was housing the former Owerri High Court near an Army check point.

Sources reported that there was an explosion that damaged a section of the roof of the facility.

The fire was said to have started from the exhibit room near the restaurant in the afternoon.

While the extent of the damage caused by the arson had not been ascertained, it was learnt that sensitive court materials and documents, including files were burnt.

A resident, who does not want his name mentioned, said: “We heard explosion at the exhibit section of the court located at Owerri- Orlu Road. It happened today (Sunday). This is very unfortunate.”

Our correspondent,who visited the scene on Sunday afternoon, observed that smokes were still oozing out from some parts of the court building that were burnt.

Imo police spokesperson Michael Abattam, confirmed the incident the fire incident, saying it was not caused by hoodlums.

He said the fire, which started from the Exhibit room, was put out before much damage could be cause.

He also stated that the Command had begun an investigation with a view to know how the fire came about.

(Nation)