NBA Osogbo Slams ‘Cowardly’ Arson at Osun High Court, Offers Free Legal Services to Prosecute Culprits
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the arson attack that razed the Osun State High Court 2 in Ilesa on Monday, describing it as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, Chairman of the branch, Mr. Yemi Abiona, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that it marked the second time in recent years that the court in Ilesa had come under such an attack.
“It is worrisome that such a dastardly attack is happening the second time, having recorded a similar incident a few years ago in Court 3, where the chambers of the judge was razed,” he stated.
Abiona questioned the motives of the arsonists, labeling them as “faceless cowards and ignorants.”
“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.
He further emphasized that the cause of the fire remains under investigation but ruled out any natural explanation.
“Though the cause of this arson is still subject to investigation, but from indications, the inferno cannot be an act of God. We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept,” Abiona added.
Commending Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his swift directive for thorough investigations and enhanced security across court premises, Abiona assured of the NBA’s support in bringing the culprits to justice.
“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 said.
He also disclosed the association’s willingness to offer free legal services to prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, completely razed the court building and destroyed sensitive legal documents and exhibits.
Governor Adeleke has since directed security agencies to beef up surveillance around all court premises in the state and ensure a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
