Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for a thorough investigation into the suspected arson that destroyed the Ilesa High Court 2 building.
Security sources confirmed that the building was set on fire on Sunday evening, leading to suspicions of arson.
According to checks by The PUNCH, three judges had been using different courtrooms within the Ilesa High Court complex. Justice A. Aderibigbe, the Presiding Judge, held court in Court 1, while two other judges used Court 2 and Court 3, both located in the same building.
Governor Adeleke condemned the incident in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The statement referred to the destruction of the building as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary” and highlighted the significant loss, including the destruction of sensitive court documents and exhibits.
“The fire, which occurred overnight, left the entire building largely destroyed. Files related to crucial court cases were reportedly lost in the blaze,” the statement read.
The state fire service responded to the scene, but the damage had already been done.
In light of the incident, Governor Adeleke has directed security agencies to enhance surveillance across court buildings and called for an immediate investigation into the fire to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
The governor further instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the rapid rehabilitation of the burnt building.
He also expressed concern over the implications of such an attack on the judiciary, emphasizing its vital role in upholding democracy.
Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that an investigation into the fire was underway.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation. It affected the warder’s room and another office,” Ojelabi said.
