Fire Destroys Ilesa High Court Structure, Authorities Launch Urgent Investigation

The Osun State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the fire that destroyed the State High Court building in Ilesa.

The blaze, believed to have been caused by arson, occurred on Sunday night, engulfing the courtroom and registry, and damaging several important documents before it was put out by the fire service.

Isola Omisade, the Registrar of the Osun State High Court, confirmed the incident, stating: “We were informed that arsonists set the court on fire. The fire was noticed by someone, and the fire service later extinguished it. Court officials will visit the site to assess the extent of the damage.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the attack in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, calling it an unjustifiable assault on the judiciary. He ordered an immediate investigation and increased security at all court facilities in the state.

The statement read: “Sensitive documents and exhibits were destroyed, and the building was severely damaged.”

The Governor further directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible. He also instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the swift rehabilitation of the damaged structure.