Hoodlums set Osun High Court building ablaze as Gov Adeleke orders probe

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has strongly condemned the recent arson attack on the Ilesa High Court building by unknown individuals, describing the incident as a direct assault on the state’s judiciary.

The condemnation was made public through a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo.

Governor Adeleke labeled the attack as a “criminal act” and called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover those responsible. He also directed security agencies across the state to immediately beef up surveillance and protection of all court premises to prevent further attacks.

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“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 court building,” he said.

Adeleke, who described the attack as a threat to democracy, said that the judiciary remains the stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process.

“The Judiciary needs our support and not to be attacked,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday.

NAN further learnt that the arson attack led to the destruction of court-sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building razed.

An eyewitness revealed that the state fire service responded to the incident but was unable to salvage the situation as the fire had destroyed the building before the arrival of the firemen.

(NAN)