By John Dike, Osogbo
The Joint Labour Movement in Osun State has condemned the arrest and continued detention of a court registrar attached to the High Court in Odeomu, describing the action as unacceptable and a threat to the rule of law.
The labour movement—comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in a joint statement expressed “deep concern and firm disapproval” over the incident, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for public service operations, particularly within the judiciary.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade (Dr.) Christopher A. Arapasopo, Chairperson of the NLC; Comrade ‘Bimbo Fasasi, Chairman of the TUC; and Comrade Lekan Adediran, Chairman of the JNC.
According to the statement, the registrar was carrying out an official assignment involving the certification of court processes—duties it described as lawful and routine within the judicial system.
Labour leaders argued that subjecting a public officer to arrest under such circumstances raises serious institutional and legal concerns, warning that it could erode confidence in public institutions and intimidate civil servants performing legitimate duties.
“This action signals a disturbing readiness to criminalise routine civil service functions and introduces avoidable tension into governance and justice administration,” the statement said.
The unions insisted that intimidation—whether subtle or overt—has no place in a democratic system governed by laws and established procedures.
The movement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained registrar, giving the police a deadline of Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, to comply.
It also called on the Osun State Police Command to provide a transparent explanation of the legal basis for the arrest, alongside assurances that public officers would not be harassed while performing authorised duties.
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The labour movement warned that failure to meet its demands would trigger a total withdrawal of services across the judiciary in the state beginning from midnight on Sunday.
It further threatened a coordinated mass industrial action against the police command on Monday if the situation remains unresolved.
“The preservation of order in any democratic society depends on mutual respect among institutions and strict adherence to the rule of law,” the statement added.
