I condemn the recent invasion of the Ogun State High Court in Ilaro by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), where they arrested two defendants during an ongoing trial. The defendants, Fatai Isiaka and Samuel Oyero were standing trial for alleged arson related to the Obaship crisis in Agosasa town, Ipokia local government area.
This incident is not only a violation of the rights of the defendants but also a severe breach of the sanctity and independence of our judiciary. Our courts are sacred institutions where justice is administered fairly and without intimidation or interference. The actions of the DSS operatives undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in our legal system.
The sanctity of the courtroom must be preserved at all costs. All law enforcement agencies must respect the judiciary’s independence and adhere to due process. The brazen nature of this invasion sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the very foundation of our democratic society.
I call upon the leadership of the DSS to take immediate and decisive action to address this grave misconduct. The operatives involved in this incident must be identified, held accountable, and subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures. Such measures are essential to restoring public confidence in our judicial and security institutions.
All relevant authorities need to implement stringent measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Training and sensitization programs should be conducted to ensure that all security personnel understand and respect the boundaries of judicial proceedings.
We must work collectively to uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of our judiciary, and ensure that justice is administered without fear or favor. Let this incident serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the separation of powers and the respect that each branch of government must accord to the others. Only then can we build a just and equitable society for all.