NBA Osogbo Condemns Arson Attack On Osun High Court, Offers Legal Support For Prosecution.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the arson attack on the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, describing it as a grave assault on the rule of law and justice delivery.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Osogbo NBA branch, Mr Yemi Abiona, labelled the incident as a “heinous attack” and expressed deep concern over its implications for the legal system.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, completely razed Osun High Court 2 in Ilesa, destroying vital court documents and exhibits. This marks the second such attack on the judiciary in recent years, following a similar incident at Court 3 where a judge’s chambers was previously set ablaze.
“It is alarming that we are witnessing yet another attack on a court building,” Mr Abiona stated. “We must ask ourselves what the perpetrators hoped to achieve by setting fire to a courtroom where legal documents are stored. This act is nothing short of a cowardly assault by faceless individuals who lack understanding of the sanctity of the judiciary.”
While investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, the NBA chairman dismissed the notion that the blaze could have occurred naturally. “From all indications, this inferno cannot be an act of God,” he said.
Mr Abiona praised Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his swift response in ordering a thorough investigation into the incident and increasing security across court premises in the state.
He further called on security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted. He assured that the Nigerian Bar Association would offer free legal services to support the prosecution of those responsible for the crime.
“We urge the police and other relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying and prosecuting those behind this attack. Together, we must protect the integrity of our justice system,” Mr Abiona concluded.
The arson, which completely destroyed the court building, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for tighter security around judicial institutions in Osun State. Governor Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding all court facilities and ensuring justice is served.