The West Africa Media Lawyers Association (WAMELA) has called for a thorough investigation into the fire outbreak that completely destroyed a room in the official residential quarters of Honourable Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Benin Division of the Federal High Court.
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The Association expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred on November 11, 2026, while the judge was sitting in open court.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, through its Coordinator in Nigeria, President Aigbokhan, Esq., WAMELA described the incident as distressing, particularly considering the destruction of the judge’s room and its possible personal, psychological and emotional effects.
The Association maintained that the circumstances surrounding the fire warranted serious attention from the appropriate authorities, stressing the need to establish its cause and prevent similar occurrences.
WAMELA consequently called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, urging the relevant authorities to determine the circumstances that led to the outbreak and make their findings available to the public.
The Association emphasised that a transparent investigation was necessary to provide clarity on the incident and address concerns about the safety and security of judicial officers in their official residences.
Beyond establishing the cause of the fire, WAMELA also urged the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure that Justice Quadri receives appropriate psychological and emotional support following the incident.
It specifically called for counselling and other necessary therapeutic care to help the judge recover from the experience and return to his judicial responsibilities with renewed strength and confidence.
The Association stressed that the welfare of judicial officers should not be limited to their professional responsibilities or security within court premises.
According to WAMELA, judges are equally entitled to safe and secure residential environments, and incidents affecting their personal safety and well-being should receive adequate institutional attention.
It maintained that the complete destruction of the judge’s room underscored the importance of protecting judicial officers beyond the courtroom.
WAMELA reiterated its call for the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, publicly disclose the findings and ensure that Justice Quadri receives the necessary support to recover from the incident.
The Association further emphasised that the security, welfare and emotional well-being of judicial officers remain essential considerations that should be taken seriously by the institutions responsible for their protection.
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