Critical documents, case files destroyed as fire razes Ikom Magistrate Court

A fierce fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, completely razing Magistrate Court 1 in Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The inferno destroyed critical records, case files, and legal documents housed within the facility before firefighters contained it.

A source in the area described the incident as a significant setback for the judicial process in the region due to the loss of sensitive data and exhibits.

“One could only see ash and debris. Everything was completely destroyed.

“This tragedy will lead to delays, retrials, or miscarriages of justice from lost files, and this is a huge hurdle,” the source said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed it’s a suspected arson case.

“The prompt response of officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Ikom, in collaboration with fire service personnel, helped to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

“Although the court structure was completely destroyed, no lives were lost.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a discreet and thorough investigation in collaboration with relevant agencies to determine the actual cause of the fire and identify those responsible,” Eitokpah said.

While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, the incident follows a concerning pattern of fire outbreaks at judicial buildings across Nigeria in recent years.

Similar occurrences were recorded at magistrate courts in Ebonyi and Imo States.