A scene of chaos unfolded today at the Hon. Justice Oputa High Court in Owerri as judges, lawyers, and litigants abandoned court proceedings and fled for safety when the G.G.I. Ojiako High Court building exhibited alarming signs of structural failure.
An eyewitness lawyer, who spoke to Bibncollar.com on condition of anonymity, revealed that while the court session was ongoing, the presiding judge abruptly rose upon noticing vibrations in the building. This triggered a mass exodus of lawyers, litigants from other courts, and judiciary staff, fearing an imminent collapse.
Addressing the gathered lawyers and litigants outside the four-story building, Chief Chris Ihentuge, Chairman of the NBA Owerri Branch, confirmed that a similar incident had occurred the previous day, prompting multiple courts to halt proceedings.
“I was reliably informed that while one of the courts was sitting yesterday, the building was vibrating. I called the Chief Registrar of the High Court to verify this claim, and she confirmed that a judge who witnessed the incident reported it to her. Another judge also confirmed experiencing the same issue two days ago during a court session,” Ihentuge stated.
He further criticized the continued neglect of structural concerns despite repeated complaints before the building was even put to use.
“This issue has been lingering. We raised concerns about the structural integrity of this building from the outset, but nothing was done. We cannot risk our lives just to attend court. Our position is clear: the use of this building should be suspended for at least one week until experts conduct an integrity test and certify it safe for use. Until then, all activities in this building are suspended.”
Ihentuge also highlighted a broader judicial crisis in Imo State, pointing to the prolonged absence of a Chief Judge since November 15, 2024, when the National Judicial Council (NJC) removed the last occupant.
“A state cannot function without a Chief Judge for nearly three months. This vacuum in leadership worsens the decay in our judiciary. There is no one to escalate these pressing issues to, and it is unacceptable,” he lamented.
Beyond structural concerns, the NBA Chairman decried the poor state of facilities within the High Court building.
“You cannot walk through the staircase during the day without a torchlight—it is completely dark. Judges sometimes cannot sit because their courtrooms are poorly lit. Some rise abruptly due to extreme heat, and lawyers are forced to remove their wigs and gowns in court. Nothing is working, and this building is clearly unsafe,” he concluded.
It will be recalled that this High Court complex was built during the Rochas Okorocha administration and handed over to the judiciary shortly before the end of his tenure. Like many other projects from that administration, the structure now faces imminent collapse, further compounding the challenges of the state’s already struggling judicial system.
Lawyers in the premises have expressed concern at the effect this temporary suspension of court proceedings is going to have on the administration of justice in a State that has endured inexplicable judicial orphancy, since the 15 of November 2024, when her Chief Judge was sacked by the National Judicial Council.
Some lawyers have also reasoned that given the non-chalance of the present administration over judicial matters, it is uncertain when the use of that building will resume, giving a sense of a total judicial comatose in Imo State in terms of both personnel and structure.
It has been gathered by Bibncollar.com that following this incident, the Owerri Capital Development Authorities (OCDA) has sealed off the entire building this afternoon, marking same unfit for human use.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
