Suspected criminals in the early hours of Monday set ablaze the Ilesa High Court 2 in Osun State, razing the building and destroying vital court documents and exhibits.
The incident, which threw the state judiciary into disarray, prompted a swift reaction from the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, who described the act as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary” and “a threat to democracy.”
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the fire incident destroyed sensitive materials crucial to ongoing and past court proceedings.
According to the statement, the state fire service was mobilised to the scene but arrived late, leaving little chance to salvage critical documents.
“This is a direct attack on the judicial arm of government. It is not only condemnable but also a dangerous signal to the sanctity of our democracy. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and must not be targeted by criminal elements,” Adeleke stated.
The governor ordered security agencies to immediately launch a full investigation into the incident and apprehend the culprits. He also directed them to beef up surveillance and security across all court premises in the state to prevent a recurrence.
Adeleke further instructed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the court building.
“Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the burnt-down building,” the governor added.
Monday’s attack on the Ilesa High Court 2 is reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred at the same facility on February 13, 2017, during the administration of former governor Rauf Aregbesola, when hoodlums stormed the court and set part of the building on fire. It remains unclear if the perpetrators of that attack were ever arrested or prosecuted.
The latest development has raised concerns among legal practitioners and residents over the increasing insecurity around judicial institutions in the state.
Authorities are yet to provide further updates on the extent of damage or the specific cases affected by the fire.
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