The NBA said the attack on an Imo State High Court was a drawback to the justice system.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the recent suspected arson on an Imo State High Court, describing it as inimical to the administration of justice.
The association spoke in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Habeeb Akorede.
Court files, exhibits and records books were burnt in the fire incident which occurred on December 16 in the Orlu area of the state.
The NBA said that the act was a drawback to the justice system.
“The NBA strongly condemns this crime on the court; we cannot build a virile justice system that upholds the rule of law if we continue to destroy the structures upon which justice stands.
“The NBA is concerned that this suspected arson on the court was premeditated, as eyewitnesses (including a court official who lives close to the court in Orlu) confirmed that the perpetrators started by shooting sporadically to scare away everyone before wreaking havoc on the court.
“The NBA is particularly disturbed that barely 48 hours after the incident at the high court, there was another fire incident at the bailiffs’ section of a magistrates’ court in which all files and exhibits in that part of the court were totally destroyed.
“The NBA notes with deep concern that attacks on judicial institutions are gradually becoming a disturbing trend in Imo State.
“Not too long ago, the Customary Court in Orlu was razed by suspected hoodlums, and the National Industrial Court in Owerri has remained shut following an attack and abduction of three court staff in the course of their lawful duties,” it said.
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According to NBA, if the courts which are houses of justice are not safe, it is a huge problem to the society.
The association, therefore, urged governments to beef up security in the country so as to forestall reccurence.
“While the NBA leadership is in touch with our local branches in Imo State in order to ensure that the culprits are found and made to face the full weight of the law, the NBA calls on the government of Imo State to urgently beef up security in and around all the courts premises in the state.
“Asides the fact that judicial officers must be protected to perform their constitutional duties in a safe atmosphere, the courts in which they sit house sensitive documents and people’s properties. As such, the courts deserve maximum security,” it said.