Lawyers in Owerri, Imo State, have called for a one-week suspension of activities at the Justice Oputa High Court due to safety concerns.
The Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Barrister Chris Ihentuge, raised alarms about vibrations in the court building, which has faced structural problems since its construction under former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Judges, including Justice Onyeukwu, have reported vibrations during court sessions, with one judge also expressing concerns about the building’s safety.
Ihentuge called for a temporary halt to court activities until experts can assess the building’s safety, emphasizing that the risk to life is unacceptable. He also criticized the ongoing absence of a Chief Judge in the state for nearly three months, attributing it to the growing challenges within the judiciary.
The court’s poor infrastructure, including inadequate lighting and ventilation, further exacerbates the situation. Allegedly, the building was originally intended as a hotel before being converted into a court, contributing to its structural defects.
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