VIDEO: Chaos In Lagos Court As Rainstorm Disrupts Proceedings, Lawyers Scramble To Save Documents

A light rainstorm on Friday wreaked havoc at an Ikeja Customary Court in Lagos State, causing chaos and disrupting court proceedings.

A video seen by Dtruth Insights captured the chaotic scene, showing the courtroom in disarray as water poured from the leaking roof.

Basins were placed across the courtroom to catch the dripping water, while lawyers hurriedly scrambled to protect their vital court documents from being soaked.

The rainstorm forced the dismissal of litigants and lawyers, bringing the court session to an abrupt halt.

This incident has drawn attention to the poor infrastructure plaguing Lagos State’s judiciary system, particularly the customary courts, which play a crucial role in resolving disputes for the common man.

Despite local government efforts to renovate some facilities, the roof of the Ikeja Customary Court has remained in dire condition, sparking concerns about the government’s priorities.

“This issue goes beyond just the physical damage; it speaks to the overall administration of justice. Courts like this are essential for everyday people, but when they are neglected, it undermines the public’s trust in the justice system,” a source told SaharaReporters.

In a similar incident, Osun Defender recalls that the Auchi Magistrates’ Court 1 building in Auchi, headquarters of the Etsako-West Local Government Area of Edo State had collapsed on August 2019 following a heavy rainstorm.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria who visited the court on Thursday reports that the rainstorm also destroyed property worth several thousands of Naira in other parts of the town.

NAN also reports that judicial activities at the court have now been suspended due to the rainstorm and the subsequent collapse of the building.

The Magistrates Court had been in a dilapidated state for the past three years as judicial officers find it difficult to carry out their duties at the premises.

Also, on April 2020, rainstorm pulled down customary court building in Odorubu community, Patani local government area of Delta State.