All posts by : Iconic News Team

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.

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

The Edo State Government, through its Ministry of Justice, has issued a stern warning to Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor over a social media publication described as malicious and defamatory against the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and Commissioners in the state executive council.

In an official letter signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Dr. Samson R. Osagie, dated June 8, 2025, the state government condemned the viral post circulated on June 6, 2025, alleging irregularities and incompetence within the administration.

The government described the publication as baseless, malicious, and intended to bring the Governor and his cabinet into disrepute.

The controversial post reportedly claimed that the state government had only held three Executive Council meetings in eight months and accused the Governor of residing mostly in Abuja while manipulating contract awards from the capital.

The author also alleged that state funds were being saved to pay for a Supreme Court judgment, referencing past contracts initiated by the previous administration.

Dr. Osagie dismissed the claims as “completely false,” emphasizing that Governor Okpebholo’s administration, which is not yet eight months old, has convened several Executive Council meetings, resulting in key developmental decisions, including ongoing flyover projects in Benin City.

The government further accused Mr. Ifaluyi-Isibor of criminal defamation and warned that it would take both civil and criminal legal action if a public retraction and apology were not made within 24 hours.

The demanded apology must be published across all social media platforms and in at least one national newspaper.

“This publication amounts to criminal defamation,” the Attorney General stated. “We intend to proceed against you through the security agencies for you to prove the criminal allegations you have made.”

The government’s response signals a strong stance against misinformation and perceived attempts to undermine its credibility, particularly as political attention intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, remains steadfast in its commitment to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s agenda of ensuring a crime-free state. This commitment was demonstrated today, Thursday, June 5, 2024, with the delivery of judgments by the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, in two significant cases.

In Appeal No. CA/B/80C/2024, State v. Ibadin Terry, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the lower court, convicting the appellant for armed robbery and dismissing the appeal. The brief was meticulously argued by Dr. Samson R. Osagie (HAG), O. Otokunrin Esq., Assistant Director and E. Ederaro Esq. Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Edo State Ministry of Justice

Similarly, in Appeal No. CA/B/13C/2023, Taofeek Abdullahi v. The State, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the lower court, convicting the appellant for kidnapping. The brief was comprehensively argued by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice assisted by two State Counsel to wit : O. Otokunrin Esq., E. Ederaro Esq., and D.O. Edomwonyi Esq.

In a statement, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Justice, to continue to working tirelessly towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for its citizens.

The Honourable Attorney General affirmed that State counsel prosecuting criminal cases involving kidnapping, armed robbery, arson, murder etc have been mandated to continue to diligently prosecute all matters assigned to them while commenting them for their steadfast and dedication to duty, pledging the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to stamping out criminality from Edo State.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Attorney General

Dr Samson Osagie, Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State has congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress on the victory at the Court of Appeal.

While hailing the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the learned Attorney General commended the Court of Appeal for painstakingly analyzing the submissions of the parties in the appeals against the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal of 2nd April, 2025 and given a judgment that further dispensed Justice to the matter in favour of the Governor of Edo State and the All Progressives Congress.

Dr Osagie encouraged the Governor to continue in his development agenda for Edo State and not to be distracted.,describing the judgement as a trumph for democracy as the court’s decision underscores the strength of Nigeria’s democratic Institutions and reaffirms the will of the people

He has called on all well meaning Edo people to support the Governor in his patriotic determination to make a reality a new Edo State that is rising.

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