Tensions Rise as Osun JUSUN Battles Over Court Registrar’s Arrest and Detention
A conflict has arisen in Osun State judicial circles following divergent accounts of an event at the Odeomu High Court that involved court personnel and legal professionals.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yomi Aliyu, claimed that representatives of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State branch, along with a court Registrar, Ademiju Oyewole, unlawfully accessed the court grounds during the night.
Aliyu, who asserted that the individuals “stormed the court at night to retrieve a case file,” characterized the incident as a grave violation of judicial procedures.
He alleged that the registrar and the Osun JUSUN chairman, Idris Adebayo Adeniran, acted beyond legal limits.
Aliyu reiterated his concerns, emphasizing that established protocols be observed and any discrepancies be thoroughly examined.
Conversely, Osun JUSUN has vehemently dismissed the accusations, branding them as “sensational and devoid of factual basis.”
In a statement endorsed by its Osun State Chairman, Idris Adeniran, the union refuted any misconduct by its members.
Adeniran asserted, “There was no breach or intrusion,” adding that the Registrar was in his office performing officially mandated tasks.
The union indicated that the Registrar was busy certifying appeal records for the state government, which it characterized as a standard administrative duty.
JUSUN also emphasized that the Registrar acted with the knowledge and consent of the presiding judge, referred to as Justice Okediya.
The union contended that it falls within the judge’s authority to allow staff to undertake official responsibilities within the court premises.
Regarding his presence at the site, Adeniran remarked that “he operated in his role as union leader to safeguard the welfare of a staff member.”
“My presence was that of a leader defending an employee, not of an accomplice to a crime,” he stated.
The union rejected assertions that the timing of the activity indicated impropriety and clarified that judicial personnel frequently work beyond standard hours to meet deadlines, especially in matters concerning appeals.
Adeniran noted that security officers, including police and vigilantes, who were present at the court did not report any criminal activities.
“They even provided him with protection while he completed his duties,” he said.
In response to claims of confessions, JUSUN labeled such assertions as a classic intimidation strategy, insisting that no wrongdoing had transpired.
The union also revealed that the Registrar, known as Mr. Ademiju, had been released on bail.
It stated that this development reinforced its stance that the detention was unwarranted.
