Judges, Lawyers Flee as Fire Alarm Triggers Evacuation in Abuja Court

Panic as Fire Alarm Sparks Evacuation at Federal High Court, Abuja — Turns Out to Be Simulation

Judges, lawyers, and court staff at the Federal High Court in Abuja were thrown into panic on Friday following a sudden fire alarm that triggered an emergency evacuation — only for it to be revealed later as a fire safety drill.

Justices Peter Lifu and James Omotosho, who were delivering judgments at the time, reportedly fled their courtrooms mid-proceeding alongside lawyers, litigants, and journalists, as the alarm blared through the building.

The tension escalated when a warning announcement echoed over the public address system, urging all occupants to evacuate immediately and avoid using elevators to prevent being trapped in case of a real fire.

In the chaos that followed, many lawyers abandoned their briefcases, documents, and gadgets as they rushed down staircases to safety. The scene outside the complex was one of confusion, as staff and visitors tried to determine the source of the alarm.

Shortly after, a team from the Federal Fire Service, led by Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Innocent Itodo, arrived at the scene and clarified that the fire alert was part of a planned simulation exercise.

“What just happened now is what we call a simulation exercise. It is not a prank — it’s to create awareness,” Itodo explained to the gathering crowd.

He added that with the ’ember months’ approaching — a period traditionally associated with increased fire incidents — the drill was designed to test preparedness and educate staff on emergency protocols in a high-rise environment.

Despite the clarification, the method drew sharp criticism from many court workers and lawyers, who described the unannounced drill as “crude and alarming”, accusing the organizers of causing unnecessary distress.

“There was no prior notice. People were confused, afraid. Some even thought a real fire had broken out,” one staff member said.

In his briefing, CSF Itodo emphasized critical fire safety guidelines:

• Never use elevators during a fire.

• Evacuate calmly and use the right side of staircases.

• Avoid running or returning for belongings.

• Allow emergency responders access via the left side of stairways.

“The confusion we witnessed today shows exactly why such drills are important. We need to be mentally and physically prepared for emergencies,” he added.

Despite the rocky execution, several court staff later expressed appreciation for the exercise, acknowledging the importance of preparedness in such a high-risk environment.