Abuja, Nigeria (CNN) -- A car exploded outside the Justice Ministry in the Nigerian capital on Friday as the nation was marking 50 years of independence, authorities said.

There was no word on casualties in the explosion in Abuja, said Yeni Ajayi, a deputy national police spokesman.

Festivities marking the nation's independence continued in the capital.

Earlier Friday, a rebel group had warned crowds to evacuate the venues of the event. It said it had planted "explosive devices" and warned attendees to stay away from vehicles.

Pictures please/.

na waooo. It's breaking news on Aljazeera now. We no need Iraq, Afghan tactics here oooo