Edo AG Hails Supreme Court Victory, Calls for Collective Support for Okpebholo’s Administration

The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr Samson Osagie has hailed the recent Supreme Court victory as a triumph for all Edo citizens.

During a congratulatory and familiarization visit by delegates of Edo Women Evangelists, led by their president, Evangelist Rosemary Elawure, he urged all stakeholders to collectively support the current administration through prayers.

The Attorney General called on every citizen to commit to supporting the government in their respective capacities, noting that the government is dedicated to ensuring economic livelihood and prosperity for all Edo citizens.

Evangelist Rosemary Elawure, speaking on behalf of the group, congratulated the Attorney General on the Supreme Court victory and prayed for the success of the Okpebholo administration and the Attorney General’s effective discharge of his duties as the Chief Law Officer of the state.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer, Office of the Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State.

EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: AT LAST GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO’S ELECTION VALIDATED.

……..EDO ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Legal battle against the election of the People’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has finally been laid to rest with the full panel of five Supreme Court Justices led by Hon Justice Mohammed Garba JSC dismissing the appeal filed against concurrent judgment of the Edo State Governorship election petition tribunal and the court of appeal.

The inspiring aspect of this legal battle is that all three levels of courts and their Justices and judges were unanimous that the petition of Asue Ighodalo and his party lacks merit. In the separate judgements, the courts, held that the Petitioners fail to prove that the election in which Governor Monday Okpebholo was declared elected by the independent Electoral Commission was marred by irregularities particularly over voting and non recording of serial numbers of ballots papers on Form EC-25A. Indeed, the Supreme Court in upholding the admission of the BVAS from the evidence of the Appellants held that the Court of Appeal was right in invalidating the admission 9f the bvas as the requisite consent of the parties were not sought and obtained before they were tendered and admitted from the bar

While the Supreme Court resolved two issues in favour of the Appellants, which issues relates to the specific units that the appellants were challenged by the Appellants rather than the entire election, the Supreme resolved the fourth and fifth issues for determination relating to whether the Appellants established non-compliance with the Electoral Act were resolved against the Appellants (PDP and Ighodalo).

The Supreme Court found that the Appellants’ failure to call sufficient and credible witnesses, particularly polling unit agents, was detrimental to their case.
Additionally, the Court held that the Appellants did not tender admissible and credible evidence to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.
The Court further noted that the mere dumping of BVAS machines on the Tribunal, without proper demonstration or linkage, was both fatal to the Appellants’ case and contrary to established legal principles.

On the whole, the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been validated wirh the affirmation of the concurrent judgment of the tribunal and the court of appeal
Consequently, the legal battle has successfully ended And governance proper is now the major focus of the Governor

Edo people can now look with great expectations to a new Edo that is rising in the horizon. The evidence arw clear and unambiguous. Governor Monday Okpebholo is on a new trajectory for a new Edo State.

Congratulations to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy

Congratulations to the All Progressives Congress.

Congratulations to Edo people

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, FICMC, Ph.D
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice
10th July 2025.

EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: AT LAST GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO’S ELECTION VALIDATED

……..EDO ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Legal battle against the election of the People’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has finally been laid to rest with the full panel of five Supreme Court Justices led by Hon Justice Mohammed Garba JSC dismissing the appeal filed against concurrent judgment of the Edo State Governorship election petition tribunal and the court of appeal.

The inspiring aspect of this legal battle is that all three levels of courts and their Justices and judges were unanimous that the petition of Asue Ighodalo and his party lacks merit. In the separate judgements, the courts, held that the Petitioners fail to prove that the election in which Governor Monday Okpebholo was declared elected by the independent Electoral Commission was marred by irregularities particularly over voting and non recording of serial numbers of ballots papers on Form EC-25A.

Indeed, the Supreme Court in upholding the admission of the BVAS from the evidence of the Appellants held that the Court of Appeal was right in invalidating the admission 9f the bvas as the requisite consent of the parties were not sought and obtained before they were tendered and admitted from the bar

While the Supreme Court resolved two issues in favour of the Appellants, which issues relates to the specific units that the appellants were challenged by the Appellants rather than the entire election, the Supreme resolved the fourth and fifth issues for determination relating to whether the Appellants established non-compliance with the Electoral Act were resolved against the Appellants (PDP and Ighodalo).

The Supreme Court found that the Appellants’ failure to call sufficient and credible witnesses, particularly polling unit agents, was detrimental to their case. Additionally, the Court held that the Appellants did not tender admissible and credible evidence to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.

The Court further noted that the mere dumping of BVAS machines on the Tribunal, without proper demonstration or linkage, was both fatal to the Appellants’ case and contrary to established legal principles.

On the whole, the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been validated wirh the affirmation of the concurrent judgment of the tribunal and the court of appeal
Consequently, the legal battle has successfully ended And governance proper is now the major focus of the Governor

Edo people can now look with great expectations to a new Edo that is rising in the horizon. The evidence arw clear and unambiguous. Governor Monday Okpebholo is on a new trajectory for a new Edo State.

Congratulations to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy

Congratulations to the All Progressives Congress.

Congratulations to Edo people

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, FICMC, Ph.D
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice
10th July 2025* .

Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, congratulates Eghogho Okpebholo, Nana Audu on their call to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers.

There was pomp and pageantry at the home of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo as his daughter, Eghogho Favour Okpebholo was called to the Nigerian Bar and became a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Celebrating her achievement, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State Dr. Samson Osagie commended the new lawyer for braving the odds and challenges of training through university and the Nigerian Law School.

As a member of the Body of Benchers, Dr. Samson Osagie congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his daughter’s achievement and her choice of the legal profession.

Also present at the Governor’s home during the post-call event was the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, among others.

In the same vein, the Attorney General has extended his hearty congratulations to Mrs. Nana Audu, wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, Hon Gani Audu, on her successful call to the bar.

Dr. Osagie commended Mrs. Audu for her resilience in surmounting the challenges of the Law School, despite being the wife of a busy public officer.
He also lauded the Chief of Staff for his support and encouragement.

Clementina Agweda
PRO, Office of the Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State

Edo State Attorney General Inducted as Fellow of Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC) of Nigeria

The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Samson R. Osagie, PhD, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria in Abuja,

This confirmemt was done alongside top government officials and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Brain Iginigie from Los Angeles, CA, stated that the conferment of the Fellowship award is “a glowing testament to the Attorney General’s commitment to justice, peacebuilding, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The FICMC recognition is not only a personal milestone for Dr. Osagie but also a proud moment for Edo State and the entire legal community, affirming his position among Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and transformative Public servants.

Clementina Agweda
PRO,Office of the Hon. Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State

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Edo State’s Commitment to Excellence in Education: A New Era Unfolds

In a significant development that promises to revolutionize the education sector in Edo State, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in education. The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, led by Director General Dr. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho and Management Staff of the Directorate to the Ministry of Justice.

According to Dr. Osagie, the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led state government is dedicated to repositioning every sector in the state, including education. He expressed the Ministry of Justice’s readiness to partner with various sectors to promote good governance and noted that the present government is committed to excellence.

As the bedrock of societal development, education has received significant boosts under the present administration. Dr. Osagie lauded the government’s infrastructural reforms and pledged commitment to ensuring that the Directorate of Quality Assurance receives necessary support and partnership to function optimally.

The Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, which is responsible for ensuring that standards are maintained in the state’s education sector, has been working tirelessly to enhance transparency, standards, and service delivery across basic and post-basic education levels.

During the visit, Dr. Uhunmwangho highlighted the Directorate’s activities, including staff engagements, and requested the Attorney General’s assistance in providing the necessary legal and structural framework for the Directorate’s operations.

The proposed partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability is expected to yield positive outcomes for Edo State’s education sector, benefiting students, teachers, and the broader community.

As Edo State embarks on this new journey towards educational excellence, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of a brighter future for the state’s education sector. With the government’s commitment to excellence and the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, it is expected that the state’s education sector will experience a significant transformation.

This development is a welcome move for the state, and it remains to be seen how this partnership will shape the future of education in Edo State. One thing is certain, however: the state’s education sector is poised for a new era of excellence and growth.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer,
Office of the Hon. Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State

N100B CREDIT LINE FOR EDO STATE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The approval by the Edo State House of Assembly of the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request for a credit line of N100B is a most strategic policy decision of his administration to guarantee unhindered funding of capital projects in the state.

It is the best way to ensure that huge capital projects do not suffer funding gaps.
Governor Monday Okpebholo is strategic and forward looking in his development agenda.

Naysayers and opposition whose opportunity to serve the state on the past may twist it and misinterprete same to be a loan met for some person’s pocket, behold they got it wrong.

Given the huge infrastructure deficit in Edo State and the determination of Governor Monday Okpebholo to leave no stone unturned in making sure that Edo people gets value for money and a complete turnaround in the state of infrastructure in Edo State this credit line is tied to projects not what anyone can access for any other purpose.

The Edo State Government is meeting all legal requirements for this credit line just for the purpose of infrastructural revolution in Edo.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is on the right track in delivering practical governance to Edo people.

Rt Hon. Samson R Osagie, PhD, FICMC
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice Edo State
25th June, 2025

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Edo Attorney General Charges Benin Lawyers to Support Okpebholo’s Administration…Denies Allegations of Improper Meeting with Supreme Court Justice…..Urges lawyers to defend their Clients instead of seeking withdrawal of cases

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has called on lawyers in Benin to support the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo by contributing to the delivery of justice and governance in the state.

Speaking at the June edition of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) monthly meeting in Benin City, Osagie urged legal practitioners to focus on defending their clients in court rather than lobbying for withdrawal of charges.

He emphasized that the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) reviews cases strictly based on evidence, not personal influence or pressure.

The Attorney General also addressed recent allegations on social media alleging that himself and a Supreme Court Justice met secretly to influence the outcome of the Edo governorship election appeal at the Supreme Court, describing the claims as “wicked, malicious, and unpatriotic”. He clarified that the Justice visited Benin for a private social event and that no such meeting took place.

Osagie praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership and transparency and urged the NBA to continue supporting the administration’s efforts toward practical and effective governance.

He concluded by charging lawyers to use the law as a tool for social engineering and development, not personal or political attack, reaffirming the need for professionalism, rule of law, and collective resolutions on critical matters affecting the legal community.

In their separate remarks, Idemudia Osifo Esq., Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, and David Maduku, former Secretary of the NBA Benin Branch, lauded the Attorney General for hosting them and for always identifying with them.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer,Office of the Hon.Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice,Edo State.

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RESPONSE TO EDOCSO’S STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF WRONGFULLY ACCUSED PERSONS

We have taken note of the recent statement by the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) commending the Edo State Ministry of Justice, through the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), for its legal opinion on certain cases relating to individuals previously accused of serious crimes.

While we appreciate civil society’s commitment to justice and advocacy, it is important to clarify the following:

  1. The Ministry of Justice is Not a Subsidiary of EDOCSO or Any CSO
    The Ministry of Justice operates as a constitutionally empowered institution, guided strictly by the principles of law, due process, and professional discretion. It does not act on the prompting, endorsement, or expectations of any civil society organisation. Our actions are based solely on the law and the public interest.
  2. Carrying Out Statutory Duties Does Not Warrant Public Praise
    The actions of the Ministry in this regard are part of its routine, constitutionally mandated responsibilities. The release of persons where there is insufficient evidence is not an exceptional gesture, nor is it influenced by the advocacy of any group. It is a demonstration of our disciplined commitment to legal and ethical obligations. Public commendation for performing regular statutory duties may inadvertently portray justice as a matter of goodwill rather than governance.
  3. The Dangers of Misplaced Narratives
    While well-meaning, EDOCSO’s tone and framing may unintentionally create a narrative that undermines the independence and institutional integrity of the Ministry. Public institutions must not be seen as acting under pressure or external influence. Such narratives risk distorting public understanding and eroding trust in the justice system.
  4. Our Work Is Rooted in Objectivity, Not Activism
    The Ministry of Justice remains unwavering in its commitment to justice, equity, and fairness. While collaboration with civil society is encouraged and valued, it must be clearly understood that the Ministry’s decisions are grounded in evidence, law, and constitutional responsibility, not public opinion or activism.
  5. The Role of the Police Must Be Understood and Respected
    The Nigeria Police Force is an integral part of the criminal justice system. The police have the constitutional mandate to arrest and investigate. It is then the responsibility of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to review evidence and determine whether a matter merits prosecution in court. This separation of duties ensures checks and balances in our system. The police should not be vilified or victimized for fulfilling their investigative role. Any concerns about arrests or charges must be addressed within the framework of the law, not through public scapegoating.

In conclusion, we reiterate that the Edo State Ministry of Justice is an impartial institution, guided solely by the rule of law and public interest. While we acknowledge the vigilance of civil society, we caution against narratives that may misrepresent the independence, professionalism, and constitutional roles of the justice system and its actors.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
Edo State
16th June, 2025

Edo Ministry of Justice, NBA strengthen ties

The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr Samson Osagie, has called for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to deepen unity among its members and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

Dr Osagie made this call while receiving a delegation led by Mr Yemi Akangbe, SAN, former Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, at the Ministry of Justice in Benin City.

He reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and encouraged the NBA to continue providing support to its members.

Dr Osagie also praised the Edo State Governor for his administration’s notable achievements in the justice sector and beyond, stressing that meaningful progress had been made within a short period.

In response, Mr Akangbe expressed gratitude to the Attorney General for the warm reception. He acknowledged Dr Osagie’s participatory leadership style, particularly his inclusive approach to decision-making within the Ministry.

The meeting underscored the strong ties between the legal profession and the state’s justice system, with both parties expressing optimism for sustained collaboration.

A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gift to Mr Akangbe by Dr Osagie on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of Justice.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer, Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State