Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered a full investigation into the arson attack that razed the Ilesa High Court building in the early hours of Monday, describing it as a criminal assault on the judiciary and a threat to democracy.
The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, condemned the attack in strong terms and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice. He also directed urgent security reinforcement across all court premises in the state.
“This is a dangerous and unacceptable attack on the judicial arm of government,” the governor said. “A thorough investigation must be conducted by security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out in the early hours of Monday before dawn. Unknown individuals reportedly invaded the court premises and set it ablaze, destroying sensitive court documents, case files, and exhibits.
An eyewitness, who spoke under anonymity, said the Osun State Fire Service responded to distress calls but arrived too late to stop the building from being completely gutted. “By the time the firemen arrived, the entire structure had already been consumed. Nothing could be saved,” he said.
The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but the loss of vital legal documents has raised fears of possible sabotage or an attempt to derail justice in ongoing cases.
In his response, Governor Adeleke directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the destroyed court building. He stressed that the government would not fold its arms while critical democratic institutions are under threat.
“The judiciary needs our protection and support, not attacks and destruction,” the governor said. “This incident is not just a crime against the state, it is an attack on democracy itself.”
He noted that the judiciary remains the stabilizing force in any democratic society and warned that such acts of violence, if unchecked, could lead to the breakdown of law and order.
As part of preventive measures, the governor directed that surveillance and security patrol be increased around all court buildings across the state. He urged members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, especially around public buildings.
“This is the time for all stakeholders — security agencies, judicial workers, community leaders and citizens — to work together to protect our institutions,” Adeleke said.
Several ongoing cases — including land disputes, criminal trials, and civil cases — may now face serious delays due to the destruction of essential documents.
The news of the fire has sparked public outrage, especially among residents of Ilesa and nearby towns who rely on the court for justice and legal resolution. Many are calling for swift action and transparent investigation into the cause of the fire.
A local resident, Mrs. Morenike Akinwale, whose land case was pending before the court, said she was devastated by the news. “I’ve been coming to this court for three years. If they’ve burned all the files, does that mean I have to start my case again?” she asked, holding back tears.
Another resident, Mr. Wale Ogundipe, said the incident is suspicious and should not be treated as a random act. “People don’t just walk into a court in the night and set it on fire. Someone is trying to hide something. The police must get to the root of this,” he said.
This attack is coming at a time when incidents of violence against public institutions are on the rise in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been similar attacks on INEC offices, police stations, and court buildings, especially during periods of political tension or public unrest.
For now, residents of Ilesa wait in hope that those responsible for this shocking attack will be caught and that justice, ironically delayed by the fire, will still be served.
