The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the burning of Ilesa High Court 2 building by yet-to-be-identified criminals, describing the arson as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary”

Spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said the incident, which happened overnight, led to the destruction of court-sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building largely burnt to the ground.

Rasheed said the state fire service was mobilised to the scene, but the havoc was already over by the time of their arrival.

He said reports indicated that files relating to sensitive court cases were destroyed.

Rasheed said Adeleke has directed a thorough investigation into the incident as well as beefing up security across all court premises in the state.

“Thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.

“Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the burnt-down building.” Adeleke was quoted as saying.

He said the governor described the attack as a threat to democracy, just as he revealed that the judiciary remains the stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process.