Fire razes Osun court, Adeleke demands probe

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has demanded an investigation into the alleged burning of Ilesa High Court 2 building by suspected arsonists.

Security sources said the building was razed down Sunday evening, raising suspicion of the involvement of arsonists.

It was revealed that three judges are using different courtrooms within the premises of Ilesa High Court.

Justice A. Aderibigbe, identified as the Presiding Judge of the court, holds sitting in Court 1.

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Two other judges are sitting in Court 2 and Court 3 located within the same building.

Adeleke, while reacting to the incident in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, which was obtained in Osogbo on Monday, condemned “the burning of Ilesa High Court 2 building by yet to be identified criminals,” describing it as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary.”

It further read, “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.

“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.”

Noting that the attack portends a threat to democracy, Adeleke also said the judiciary remains the stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process, urging support rather than attack for it.

When contacted for further clarifications, the Police Public Relations Officer of Osun Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said investigation had already commenced into the matter.

“The cause of the fire has not been ascertained from the report we have. It affected warder’s room and one other office. Investigation has commenced into the cause of the fire,” Ojelabi said.