JUSUN Condemns Arrest of Court Registrar in Osun, Issues 24Hour Ultimatum

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JUSUN Condemns Arrest of Court Registrar in Osun, Issues 24Hour Ultimatum

By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of a Court Registrar attached to the High Court, Odeomu, describing the action as unlawful and a threat to the administration of justice.

The union’s position was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, on Saturday, in which it demanded the immediate release of the detained official.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on April 23, 2026, when the registrar was engaged in “the certification of court processes following an application duly filed by the Osun State Ministry of Justice,” in connection with ongoing appellate proceedings involving a commercial bank over alleged irregularities in Osun local government accounts.

JUSUN stated that the registrar had obtained “formal permission from the presiding Judge” before undertaking the assignment and remained within the court premises beyond official hours due to the volume of documents involved.

The union added that officers from the Odeomu Police Division and local vigilantes had earlier visited the court, verified the registrar’s identity, and confirmed that he was carrying out legitimate duties.

“They even provided security for him until the certification was completed,” the statement noted.

However, the situation reportedly took a different turn the by following day, April 24, when the Osun State Commissioner of Police allegedly ordered the registrar’s arrest. He is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Describing the development as “a targeted harassment of a judicial worker,” the union expressed concern over what it termed a growing pattern of police involvement in matters relating to local government financial disputes in the state.

“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,” the statement said.

JUSUN maintained that “the certification of court records is a routine, essential judicial function,” warning that any attempt to criminalise such duties amounts to “an assault on the administration of justice and an intimidation of the judicial workforce.”
The union issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Osun State Police Command to release the registrar unconditionally, warning that failure to comply would lead to an industrial action.

“JUSUN will not stand by while its members are treated like common criminals for doing their jobs,” the statement read.

“Failing the release of our member within 24 hours, the union will not hesitate to shut down all courts across the state in protest of this systemic harassment.”

The union also called on the police to “return to its core mandate of professionalism and neutrality” and urged authorities to put an end to “the intimidation of judicial staff by any authority or quarter.”

JUSUN reiterated its commitment to defending the integrity and dignity of the judiciary, stating that it would deploy all lawful means to resist any action capable of undermining the institution.