The attack on the Osun State High Court in Ilesa has brought to the fore the need to better secure judiciary infrastructure across the country against attacks, writes TOBA ADEDEJI
The April 20 attack on the Osun State High Court in Ilesa has highlighted the need for more secure courts.
Lagos State is yet to recover from the destruction of the iconic state high court in Igbosere during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
The attack on the Osun court by arsonists led to the destruction of a section. The Registry and a courtroom were the most affected.
This is the third time that the court will be razed.
The court was attacked on February 17, 2017.
The hoodlums who invaded the court then injured a security man, Olarewaju Owoeye, before burning the Court II, Registry, Library I and the Secretary’s office.
No perpetrator has been brought to book to date.
Last year, vandals also invaded the court to steal electric cables, which threw it into darkness.
This time, amid Easter celebrations, arsonists sidled into the High Court, Ilesa in the Ayeso area via Ile-Ife Road to destroy the buildings in the evening.
The Registrar, Isola Omisakin, who spoke with The Nation, said police have launched an investigation.
When our reporter visited the court, the gate was locked as two Amotekun Corps watched over the premises.
Courts in need of facelift
Before the latest attack, most of the courts in Osun required major renovations.
A worker, who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak,said: “Almost all the courts in Osun are in a very bad state, even that of Osogbo. Some of the courts are in ruins. Sometimes, we kill snakes in the court.
“The court that was attacked in Ilesa was very bushy and unkempt. There was no single security officer even after previous attacks.
“The court is prone to easy attack – free entry and exit, which I believe embolden the attackers.
“It was so terrible that, last year, vandals went in and removed electric cables. Since that time, the court has been in darkness.”
The source added: “There is nothing modern about the court, no basic amenities like computer, television and the like.
“It is the same in most other courts across the state.”
Govt promises to fix courts
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwo Jimi-Bada, admitted that the Ilesa court was not well secured.
He noted that the height of the perimeter fence cannot prevent marauders from gaining access.
“We need to secure this place because this is not the first time that this will happen.”
Jimi-Bada said the government will work to prevent a recurrence.
“These attacks must stop. We will start the renovation immediately. Judges cannot sit in the present condition.
“We have to also prioritise the security. We will also restore power. We will start almost immediately.”
The AG said Governor Ademola Adeleke was committed to improving the court infrastructure in the state.
His words: “What we’ve done in the Ministry of Justice is to make provision for this renovation which we are going to start. We will try to see what we can do with our 2025 budget.
“We don’t need to wait for the judiciary to bring a memo for renovation.
“If we are waiting, no memo will be brought. We cannot wait. That is why we took engineers from the Ministry of Works to the affected court.
“It is very unfortunate that anybody will have the effrontery to come to the court of law and set it ablaze.
“I am bothered and amazed at that kind of boldness. Anybody could wake up to set a court on fire.
“This is very shocking but as government, we are going to start with Ilesa High Court and then extend the renovation to other divisions.
“It is more than barbaric, but justice will catch up with such persons very soon. It is a matter of time. We are going to secure the court and start renovation,” he said.
Files destroyed
Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said files and other sensitive documents were destroyed in the fire which affected the Registry and Court Room II.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun chapter, condemned the arson.
Its chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, said: “This deliberate and destructive act resulted in the loss of vital court documents, including case files, legal records, and exhibits.
“This is not the first time this court has been targeted. It marks the third attack on the same premises, following incidents in February 2017 and another in 2021.
“The recurrence of these attacks raises serious concerns about the security of judicial infrastructure and the safety of judiciary workers.”
He lamented that the attack impacted negatively on the business of the court.
He said citizens have been denied access to timely justice, while public confidence in the judiciary has been weakened.
Besides, he said the cost of rebuilding and restoring the records poses an avoidable financial burden on the state.
Adeniran said “Judiciary workers now live in fear of similar attacks due to a lack of adequate protection.
“This is more than an attack on property—it is a direct assault on justice, democratic governance, and accountability.
“In response, JUSUN urgently calls on the Osun State Government and all relevant law enforcement agencies to launch a full investigation to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“Promptly implement robust security measures at all court facilities, including armed guards and round-the-clock surveillance—a need that has been neglected for almost a decade.
“Provide emergency funding for the recovery of destroyed documents and the reconstruction of the court.
“Set up a special task force to digitize and securely back up all essential judicial documents.”
The chairman said the union remains committed to working with the government and security agencies to ensure that courts are never subjected to such devastating attacks again.
NBA seeks action
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, also condemned the attack.
It offered to prosecute the perpetrators freely if arrested.
The chairman, Yemi Abiona, said: “The incident is a heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law.
“I wonder what the perpetrators of such an attack on the courtroom intended to achieve.
“This attack is the handiwork of faceless cowards.
“We commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for his swift response of directing thorough investigations and increased security measures around the court premises in the state.
“We urge security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“The association is ready to provide free legal services to prosecute whoever was behind the arson.
“We are urging the police to leave no stone unturned in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.”
Motive unknown
There are speculations that the attack may be politically motivated due to the recent local government control crisis in the state.
The court is adjudicating on the matter.
A judge of the Ilesa division, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, granted the order that the state electoral commission should go ahead with the council election.
This is despite the Court of Appeal reinstating the previously-elected APC chairmen.
Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had warned against the council election on February 22.
The election was held. PDP candidates emerged as winners.
However, Adeleke warned them against resuming to forestall further violence.
The PDP and its leaders on behalf of the newly elected chairmen of PDP filed a suit before the High Court in Ilesa.
They are praying the court to stop the defendants from obstructing them from assuming office.
The case was yet to be heard before the incident.
The PDP faulted the latest attack, saying it showed the extent those who are adamant about hijacking powers through the backdoor were willing to go to achieve their evil scheme.
State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, called for a thorough investigation by security agents to fish out the perpetrators.
“It is quite disturbing to note that the lust for power has descended into this dangerous level of targeting courts with violence.
“That Ilesa court was the choice of the arsonists says a lot especially when there is a pending suit on the local government dispute before it.
“While politicians can tussle for power, it is totally unacceptable to target the judiciary, one of the pillars of democracy, for violence just to avoid justice.”
APC, through its Media Director, Chief Kola Olabisi, sympathised with the state judiciary over the burning of the section of the court building.
He said the attack should be a source of concern to all right-thinking members of the society.
“We are enjoining the statutory security services like the police, the DSS, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence to intensify their professional dragnet into the incident by thoroughly investigating the cause of the inferno with a view to bringing the culprits to book.
“No stone should be left unturned to unveil the perpetrators of the crime.
“We shall always, as a party, avail the opportunity provided by the rule of law to solve any knotty issue(s) in the political terrain which is the hallmark of our party since its inception.”
How to secure courts
Securing court buildings from attacks requires a layered, risk-based security approach that balances safety, accessibility, and operational needs.
Here’s a breakdown of best practices, as identified by security experts:
Physical security measures
• Perimeter barriers: Install bollards, fences, or reinforced walls to prevent vehicle-borne threats.
• Controlled access points: Limit entry to a few well-monitored entrances equipped with metal detectors and X-ray scanners.
• Blast-resistant design: Strengthen windows, doors, and walls against explosions.
• Secure parking areas: Separate parking for judges and staff, ideally underground or in guarded areas.
• Buffer zones: Create space between public areas and the building to slow down attackers.
Screening and access control
• Security screening: Screen all visitors, staff, and deliveries for weapons or dangerous materials.
• Credentialing: Issue secure ID badges; use biometrics or smartcards for staff and judicial officers.
• Visitor management system: Track and control visitor access; issue temporary passes after screening.
Surveillance and detection
• CCTV surveillance: Install high-definition, tamper-resistant cameras inside and outside.
• Facial recognition or AI-based monitoring: To identify known threats in real time.
• Motion detectors and intrusion alarms: Especially around sensitive areas.
Security personnel
• Visible security presence: Uniformed officers deter attacks.
• Plainclothes officers: Detect suspicious behavior inside.
• Trained response teams: Specialized units to quickly neutralize threats (e.g., armed response teams).
Cybersecurity
• Secure court IT systems: Protect case files and operational systems from hacking.
• Emergency communication systems: Ensure secure, redundant communication between security teams.
Operational security and protocols
• Regular threat assessments: Adjust security measures based on current threats.
• Emergency drills: Conduct regular active shooter, fire, and evacuation drills for staff and judges.
• Protected routes: Plan secure routes for high-risk defendants, judges, or witnesses.
Architectural and design considerations
• Natural surveillance: Design spaces (like open lobbies) to allow maximum visibility.
• Safe rooms: Build protected areas for judges, staff, and key personnel.
• Secured courtrooms: Ability to lock down courtrooms instantly during emergencies.
Public awareness and engagement
• Signage: Clearly show prohibited items and behaviour expectations.
• Security education: Inform the public about security screening processes to reduce friction.
