ILESA, Nigeria —
A suspected arson attack has gutted Osun State High Court 2 in Ilesa,
destroying critical case files, legal documents, and court exhibits in a
late-night blaze on Monday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke strongly condemned the
incident, calling it a "dangerous and unjustified assault on
democracy."
In a statement issued through his spokesperson,
Olawale Rasheed, the governor confirmed that the state fire service responded
to the scene, but the building had already been extensively damaged by the time
help arrived.
Preliminary assessments revealed that the fire
obliterated sensitive materials related to ongoing legal proceedings, raising
concerns about the implications for justice delivery in the state.
"This is a direct threat to the
democratic process," Governor Adeleke said. "The
judiciary is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy and must be shielded
from attacks of this nature."
He has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation
into the incident, directing security agencies to apprehend those responsible
and tighten security around judicial facilities statewide.
Additionally, the governor has tasked the Attorney
General and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure with beginning urgent
rehabilitation of the damaged court complex.
"We will not tolerate any act that
undermines the integrity of our judicial system,"
Adeleke stated firmly.
As of the time of this report, no group has claimed
responsibility for the arson, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
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