Fire engulfs part of Nigeria's Supreme Court

By Olanrewaju Kola

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - A fire broke out on Monday in Nigeria's Supreme Court complex, gutting a part of the building in the country's capital Abuja.

The offices of three justices of the apex court were burnt as the fire began shortly after staff resumed work in the morning, witnesses told Anadolu.

Sunday Amao, who works at a nearby public office, said the fire occurred in a section of the complex containing the offices of the justices.

The blaze is still spreading from that area, according to broadcaster Arise TV.

The cause of the fire remains unclear as firefighters continue to battle the flames.

Journalist and former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said the fire was reportedly the result of an "attack" on the judiciary.

The incident occurred barely a week after opposition politicians filed an appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge a Sept. 6 judgment confirming the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country's president.