WorldStage Newsonline– The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has condemned the arson of the Osun High Court in Ilesa on Monday.
The NBA, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Yemi Abiona, on Tuesday in Osogbo, described the incident as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law”.
According to Abiona, it is worrisome that such a dastardly attack is happening the second time, having recorded a similar incident few years ago in court 3, where the chambers of the judge was razed.
“I wonder what the perpetrators of such an attack on the court room intended to achieve. This attack is the handiwork of faceless cowards and ignorants.
“Though, the cause of this arson is still subject to investigation, but from indications, the inferno cannot be an act of God.
“We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept,” he said.
The chairman commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun for his swift response of directing thorough investigations and increased security measures around the court premises in the state.
Abiona, who urged security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, said the association was ready to provide free legal services to prosecute whoever was behind the arson.
“We are urging the police to leave no stone unturned in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Together, we can uphold the integrity of our justice system,” he said.
Osun High Court 2 in Ilesa was set on fire in the early hours of Monday.
The arson led to the destruction of sensitive documents and exhibits of the court, while the entire building was burnt to the ground.
Meanwhile, Adeleke had directed thorough investigations into the incident, and also called on security agencies to beef up security measures around all court premises in the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the burning of Ilesa High Court 2 building by yet to be identified criminals, describing the arson as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary”
The incident which happened overnight led to the destruction of court sensitive documents and exhibits with the entire building largely burnt to the ground.
The state fire service was mobilised to the scene but the havoc was already over by the time of their arrival. Reports indicated that files relating to sensitive court cases were destroyed.
Governor Adeleke in the statement directed thorough investigation into the incident as well as beefing up security across all court premises in the state.
“Thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.
“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 statement noted.
Governor Adeleke who described the attack as a threat to democracy said the judiciary remains the stabilizer and critical arbiter of the democratic process, urging support rather than attack for the judiciary.
