Judges, lawyers, journalists, and staff at the Federal High Court in Abuja bolted for safety on Friday after a sudden fire alarm sent shockwaves through the court complex.
Justices Peter Lifu and James Omotosho were in the middle of delivering judgments when the blaring alarm erupted. Within moments, a message over the public address system urged everyone to evacuate immediately and avoid using elevators to prevent being trapped.
In the rush, lawyers abandoned their law books, bags, and personal items, opting for the staircases as tension gripped the building. Outside, confused court users gathered, scanning for signs of smoke or flames.
Minutes later, a team of Federal Fire Service officers, led by Chief Superintendent Innocent Itodo, arrived—only to reveal that there was no fire. The chaos had been part of an unannounced fire simulation exercise meant to test readiness and teach emergency protocols ahead of the ember months, when fire incidents typically spike.
“What just happened now is called a simulation exercise—it is not a prank,” Itodo told the crowd. “When you hear a fire alarm, don’t go back for your phone or bag. Secure your life first. Avoid lifts and use the staircase—keeping to the right—so emergency responders can use the left.”
The revelation drew mixed reactions. Some lawyers and staff criticised the surprise nature of the drill, calling it crude and unnecessarily alarming. Others, after regaining composure, admitted the exercise was a necessary wake-up call about the importance of fire safety in a high-rise building.
Itodo noted that while a few people panicked and ran, risking a potential stampede, regular drills were crucial to ensure people remain calm and act quickly during real emergencies.
By the end, most agreed: better a scare today than tragedy tomorrow.
