The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the recent arson attack on the Osun High Court in Ilesa, which occurred on Monday.
The NBA, in a statement released by its Chairman, Mr. Yemi Abiona, on Tuesday in Osogbo, referred to the incident as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law.”
Abiona expressed his concern, stating that it was troubling that this was the second such attack, recalling a similar incident in the past when Court 3 was set ablaze, including the chambers of a judge.
“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,” he said.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Abiona remarked that the inferno could not have been an “act of God.”
He questioned the intentions of the arsonists, wondering what they hoped to gain from destroying courtrooms that housed important legal documents.
“We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept,” he added.
The NBA Chairman commended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his prompt response, which included directing thorough investigations and reinforcing security measures at court premises across the state.
Abiona also called on security agencies to identify and apprehend the culprits, promising that the NBA would offer free legal services to prosecute anyone responsible for the attack.
“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 concluded.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Osun High Court 2 in Ilesa was set on fire early on Monday, resulting in the destruction of sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building being reduced to rubble.
Governor Adeleke has since ordered a detailed investigation and called for increased security around all court premises in the state.
