Eyewitnesses said that the explosion occurred at about 4pm and that the fire service officials reportedly put out the fire at about 4:40 pm.
The police have confirmed 21 dead, 17 others injured and 17 cars burnt in the explosion.
The explosion apparently occurred at the gate of the busy plaza.
According to Premium Times Emergency officials are still evacuating the injured and bodies to Maitama District Hospital and are requesting for more ambulances at Maitama District hospital "to transfer victims to other hospitals."
As a result of the number of casualties it has been reported that some victims are receiving treatment outside the hospital premises.
Meanwhile the medical Director at the Maitama General Hospital confirmed 12 dead and 35 injured with at least 30 bodies with three completely dismembered, several others injured and many cars burnt in the bomb blast.
The Nigeria Police spokesperson, Frank Mba who has arrived the blast scene has confirmed it was a bomb explosion saying: 'Our most important assignment now is to secure lives, secure crime scene," he said.
He, however could not say the nature and type of the explosive used or confirm the number of casualties but he has appealed to Abuja residents to stay away from explosion area while stressing that the police is working with other security and emergency officials at the scene.
Authorities are the scene of the blast are yet to confirm the mode of the attack. Although some traders claimed blast went off in a car that was driving into the mall, others claim the bombers rode on a bike and threw-in the explosive before speeding away.
More senior police officials have continued to arrive at the scene of the bomb blast.
Meanwhile a police officer have lamented the laack of security at the plaza saying: "Nothing, they don't search cars, booths, anybody can just drive in," he said.
The bomb blast is coming some months after an explosion rocked Nyanya in Abuja in May which left many dead and several others injured.
At the scene of the explosion it is reported that everywhere is calm while ecurity officers are still inspecting the scene which left deep hole at the spot of the explosion.
The FCT minister, Bala Bohammed visited with promises of better security and the minister of the state, Olajumoke Akinjide also visited and promised free medical treatment for the injured.
It would also be recalled that in April an explosion rocked Abuja which left scores of people dead and hundreds injured in the blast.
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