A Fire on has razed a section of the Magistrate Court in Owerri the Imo State Capital.
The fire incident is coming barely 24 hours after the Orlu High Court also housing a magistrate day was burnt by hoodlums.
The Magistrate’s court, which is located at the heart of the state capital along Owerri-Orlu Road, was housing the former Owerri High Court near an Army check point.
A source told newsmen that there was an explosion of unknown origin that damaged a section of the roof of the facility.
Sources disclosed that the fire started from the exhibit room of the building near the restaurant in the afternoon.
While the extent of the damage caused by the arson had not been ascertained as at this time, it was learnt that sensitive court materials and documents, including files kept in the premises were burnt.
A resident of the City, 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.”
Newsmen who visited the scene on Sunday afternoon, observed that smokes were still oozing out from some parts of the court building that were burnt by the Arsonists.
The Imo State police Command’s spokesperson Michael Abattam, confirmed the fire incident, saying it was not caused by hoodlums though he did not give an alternative view on what cause the fire.
He said the fire, which started from the Exhibit room, was put out before much damage could be done to the building.
He also stated that the Imo State Police Command had begun an investigation with a view to know how the fire came about and every Other issues surrounding the fire.
Imo State has been under constant attacks by so called unknown gunmen for sometime now including disruption of the Collection of Permanent Voter Cards.
