Osun JUSUN, lawyer at daggers drawn over arrest, detention of court Registrar
Dispute Arises in Osun State Judiciary Over Court Incident
A conflict has emerged within the Osun State judiciary following differing accounts of an incident at the Odeomu High Court, involving judiciary staff and legal practitioners.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yomi Aliyu, alleged that personnel from the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State branch, alongside court Registrar Ademiju Oyewole, unlawfully accessed court premises during nighttime. Aliyu claimed that the individuals “invaded the court at night to take a case file,” characterizing this as a significant breach of judicial process.
He accused Registrar Oyewole and JUSUN Chairman Idris Adebayo Adeniran of acting beyond their legal authority. Aliyu emphasized the need for adherence to due process and called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
In response, Osun JUSUN strongly refuted the allegations, labeling them as “sensationalist and factually bankrupt.” In a statement issued by Chairman Idris Adeniran, the union denied any misconduct by its members. Adeniran asserted, “There was no invasion or break-in,” contending that the Registrar was performing official duties at the time.
According to JUSUN, the Registrar was engaged in certifying records of appeal for the state government, describing this as a standard administrative task. The union also noted that the Registrar’s actions were conducted under the supervision of the presiding judge, Justice Okediya, who had granted permission for court staff to fulfill their official responsibilities.
Adeniran further clarified his presence at the scene, stating, “I acted in my capacity as union leader to ensure the welfare of a staff member.” He reiterated, “My presence was that of a leader protecting a worker, not a participant in a crime.”
The union dismissed suggestions that the timing of the activities indicated wrongdoing, explaining that judiciary personnel frequently work beyond official hours to meet appealing deadlines. Adeniran noted that security personnel present, including police officers and local vigilantes, did not report any criminal activity, instead providing security for the Registrar as he completed his work.
Addressing claims of confessions purportedly made during the incident, JUSUN described these as unfounded scare tactics, asserting that no wrongdoing occurred. The union also stated that Registrar Ademiju Oyewole had been released on bail, further supporting its position that any detention was unwarranted.
