Imo High Court in Peril, NBA Sound Alarm Over Safety Risks

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has sounded the alarm over the precarious state of the Justice Oputa High Court in Owerri, Imo State, calling for a one-week suspension of activities due to safety concerns.

Led by Barrister Chris Ihentuge, the Owerri branch of the NBA has raised serious concerns about vibrations in the court building, which has been plagued by structural problems since its construction under former Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Judges, including Justice Onyeukwu, have reported feeling vibrations during court sessions, with one judge expressing concerns about the building’s safety. The NBA is demanding a temporary halt to court activities until experts can assess the building’s safety, citing the unacceptable risk to life.

The NBA is demanding a temporary halt to court activities until experts can assess the building’s safety

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing absence of a Chief Judge in the state for nearly three months, which the NBA attributes to growing challenges within the judiciary. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate lighting and ventilation, has also exacerbated the situation.

Interestingly, the building was originally intended as a hotel before being converted into a court, which may have contributed to its structural defects.