Fire gutted Lagos high court and Houses today
Panic erupted today at the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, as fire gutted the chambers of the Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade. The Chief Judge’s courtroom, which is on the top floor of the old building, was consumed by fire at about 8:15 am following a reported sparking from one of the air-conditioning units in the chambers. Books and furniture were destroyed. One of the source said the incident happened after a cleaner switched on the faulty air-conditioner and left the courtroom, following which a security official, popularly called “Alhaja”, raised the alarm. The security woman was subsequently rushed to the hospital, to be treated for smoke inhalation, before the arrival of the firefighters. Sources say the devastated courtroom is hardly used by the Chief Judge, but is reserved for her anytime she comes to the Lagos Division of the court. The entire building was saved from being razed down following the quick intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service, which...