The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, strongly condemns the unwarranted arrest and continued detention of a Court Registrar attached to the High Court, Odeomu, while performing his lawful official duties.
THE FACTS OF THE INCIDENT
On the 23rd of April 2026, the Registrar was engaged in the certification of court processes following an application duly filed by the Osun State Ministry of Justice. This was in respect of ongoing appellate proceedings involving UBA regarding alleged illegal Osun Local Government accounts. We must emphasize that the Registrar sought and obtained formal permission from the presiding Judge to carry out this task.
Due to the sheer volume of documents, the Registrar worked beyond official hours within the court premises. At no point was any unlawful act committed. In fact, officers from the Odeomu Police Division and local vigilantes visited the court on Thursday evening, verified his identity, and recognized he was performing legitimate duties. They even provided security for him until the certification was completed.
A DISCONCERTING TURN OF EVENTS
In a shocking reversal, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State, ordered the arrest of the Registrar on Friday, 24th April 2026. He is currently being detained at the State CID, allegedly on the instructions of the Honorable Chief Judge of Osun State, for the simple act of certifying records of appeal for the State Government.
JUSUN views this as a targeted harassment of a judicial workers. We note with grave concern a burgeoning pattern of conduct by the Osun State Police Command regarding local government financial disputes. It will be recalled that on April 15, 2026, the Command provided cover for individuals protesting at the High Court, Osogbo. These actions raise serious questions regarding the neutrality of the Police and suggest a selective approach to law enforcement in sensitive matters.
OUR POSITION
The certification of court records is a routine, essential judicial function. Any attempt to criminalize or obstruct a staff member in the discharge of these duties is an assault on the administration of justice and an intimidation of the judicial workforce.
JUSUN will not stand by while its members are treated like common criminals for doing their jobs. Such actions undermine public confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement and threaten the independence of the Judiciary.
It’s important to note that this matter has been formally reported to the JUSUN National Headquarters for urgent intervention; we hereby give the Osun State Police Command a 24-hour ultimatum to release our member, effective from the time was arrested, failing which the Union will not hesitate to shut down all courts across the state in protest of this systemic harassment.
OUR DEMANDS
1. The immediate and unconditional release of the detained Registrar.
2. That the Osun State Police Command returns to its core mandate of professionalism and neutrality, respecting judicial processes without interference.
3. An end to the intimidation of judicial staff by any authority or quarter.
As the union charged with the welfare and protection of the entire judiciary workforce—from the Registry to the Bench—we view this development as a direct assault on our members. JUSUN remains committed to defending the integrity and dignity of the Judiciary and will employ all lawful means to resist any further intimidation.
Signed :
Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran
Chairman,JUSUN
Osun State Branch
25th April 2026
