The 4th Upper Area Court in Akerebiata, Ilorin, under the Kwara State Judiciary, is currently holding court sessions under a tree due to the dilapidated state of its official courtroom.
A visit by Just Event Online TV on Wednesday morning revealed that the court premises has become uninhabitable.
The roof of the building has been partly blown off, while deep cracks have appeared on the walls, posing serious safety risks to judicial officers and court users.
In a situation that starkly contradicts the constitutional promise of justice being accessible and dignified, the judge, court registrar, secretary, and other staff now operate under the open sky—even in scorching heat—in a bid to continue serving the public.
The court, which should be a sanctuary for justice and hope of the common man, now paints a picture of abandonment. Office spaces for key staff, including magistrates and clerical officers, are in a deplorable state, with no provision for basic comfort or safety.
Some people who spoke with our reporter are calling on the Kwara State Government and the judiciary leadership to urgently intervene and restore the court building to a functional state.
They said the court has been like this for over two years
As at the time of filing this report, Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr Senior Ibrahim is yet to respond to message from Just Event Online
