All posts by : Iconic News Team

Rejected at home. Recognised beyond it

There is a certain irony in watching a man whose capacity was once deemed expendable at home emerge as a voice of consequence on a national professional stage.

Samson Raphael Osagie, PhD, FICMC—former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State—is not a man whose credentials require embellishment. His record, intellect, experience and professional standing speak with sufficient authority.

Yet, his departure from public office was handled in a manner that many considered unbefitting of a man of his calibre and contribution.

But history has a way of correcting the limitations of political judgement.

While some at home may have sought to diminish his relevance, the wider professional community has continued to recognise his value. Today, that recognition is on full display as he takes the stage as a Speaker at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) 2026, under the theme, “Beyond Limits ’26.”

This is more than an invitation to speak. It is professional validation.

It is a reminder that competence does not become irrelevant because political circumstances change; intellectual capacity does not disappear because an appointment ends; and a man of substance does not cease to matter because those in a position to recognise his worth choose otherwise.

From Uhunmwode to Edo South, and from Edo State to the national professional arena, Samson Raphael Osagie continues to demonstrate that genuine excellence ultimately finds its platform.

You may edge a man out of office, but you cannot easily edge excellence out of relevance.

Congratulations to Samson Raphael Osagie, PhD, FICMC.

Edo South should celebrate him. Uhunmwode should own his achievement. Edo State should recognise the distinction.

When excellence is recognised beyond home, perhaps home should pause—not to ask why the man is being celebrated elsewhere, but why his value was not celebrated enough at home.

By Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The appointment takes effect from August 27, 2026.

This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga

Mr. Enitan, the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and an indigene of Osun State, will succeed Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is set to retire upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to Mrs. Walson-Jack for her distinguished service, noting the reforms, impact, and innovations recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.

With over seven years as Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enitan has served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Vice President, and currently the Federal Ministry of Education.

The statement added that Mr. Enitan “brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.”

As Head of Service, he is expected to provide leadership for the Federal Civil Service and deepen ongoing reforms to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Principal Partner of Samson Ima-Osagie & Associates and former Attorney General of Edo State, Dr. Samson Raphael Osagie, has been invited to speak at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, themed “Beyond Limits.”

In an invitation signed by the Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee, AGCPC, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, and the Secretary, Barbara Omosun, the NBA listed Osagie among the distinguished speakers selected for the 2026 edition.

He will serve as a panelist on the topic “Sovereign Wealth” and its role in driving Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

The conference will hold from August 21 to 28, 2026, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the association, the gathering will bring together jurists, policymakers, business leaders and industry experts to interrogate pressing national and global issues. These include economic growth, reforms in the legal sector, trade expansion, foreign exchange regulation and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

The session will focus on how sovereign wealth funds and strategic investments can be deployed to promote sustainable growth, finance critical infrastructure, attract capital and strengthen economic resilience.

“As Nigeria pursues economic diversification and sustainable growth, strategic investment decisions have become more crucial than ever,” the invitation stated.

The NBA added that the session will provide a platform for in-depth dialogue on the legal, policy and governance frameworks required to support sound investment strategies, while also exploring practical pathways to secure prosperity for future generations.

The week-long conference will feature a keynote address by former Liberian President, George Weah, alongside other prominent speakers from Nigeria and overseas.

The invitation affirmed the association’s confidence in Dr. Osagie’s expertise and expressed optimism that his contribution will add value to discussions on strategic investments and national economic transformation.

Beyond the technical sessions, delegates are expected to participate in professional networking, peer learning, conversations on social justice, as well as entertainment and interactive programmes throughout the conference.

Dr Osagie’s participation as discussant at this all important professional conference is an acknowledgement of his recognition by the National professional body as a key figure with requisite knowledge and experience in Nigeria’s governance system.

…as IGP Disu deploys 7 other CPs in nationwide shake-up

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has approved the deployment of CP Patrick Daaor as the new Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command.

The deployment was announced on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following approval by the Police Service Commission. CP Daaor takes over from CP Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, who was redeployed from Edo, while the outgoing CP Funsho Adegboye Agbonika had been serving in acting capacity before the new posting.

According to the statement, the shake-up also affected 7 other state commands and several strategic formations.

Other newly deployed CPs are:

1. CP Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo– Abia
2. CP Ayodeji Faniyan – Plateau
3. CP Saka Adewale Ajao – Bayelsa
4. CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue– Cross River
5. CP Nanna Oji Ama– Anambra
6. CP Tani Murtala– Jigawa
7. CP Samuel Erale – Delta

The IGP also approved postings to key departments including Force Intelligence Department, FCID, DFA, DTD, Police Academy and Police Staff College.

In his charge, IGP Disu urged the senior officers to strengthen intelligence-led policing, enhance operational effectiveness, promote professionalism and deepen community engagement.

“He urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery,” the statement said.

The Force noted that the redeployment is part of ongoing reforms to boost efficiency and improve policing nationwide.

Former Attorney General of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, on Sunday said persons convicted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act should serve their full sentences to deter others.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria,( NAN), Dr. Osagie said the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, was enacted to provide a legal framework for the detection, prevention, prosecution and punishment of acts of terrorism in Nigeria. He noted public concerns over the possibility of convicted terrorists being granted amnesty through executive orders.

He further disclosed there was a need to amend the Act and Section 175 of the Constitution on prerogative of mercy to exclude persons convicted of terrorism or terrorism-related offences. “It has become pertinent to recommend that the Act be further amended to exclude such persons from benefiting from presidential clemency during the pendency of their jail term,” he said.

Also speaking, former NBA Young Lawyers Forum Chairman, Mr. Uwomano Aki, described terrorism as “a direct attack on the sovereignty, security, and collective existence of the nation.” He said where a court has found an accused guilty after a fair trial, granting executive clemency later is difficult to justify.

Similarly, a member of the NBA, Mrs. Adaobi Fortune, said any consideration of amnesty for convicted terrorists must be guided by overriding national interest. “The sovereignty of Nigeria and interests of its citizens should override every other consideration,” she said.

Also, President of the African Women Lawyers Association, Mrs. Amanda Demechi-Asagba, said the law already contains safeguards against the release of terrorists sentenced to life. She explained that under the 2022 Act, life imprisonment means an offender remains in prison for life unless the sentence is overturned on appeal or altered by pardon. She called for a further amendment requiring terrorism convicts to spend at least 30 years before being considered for clemency.

This unanimous call by legal experts underscores growing public demand for tougher measures against terrorisms as they argued that denying convicted terrorists access to clemency will not only uphold justice for victims but also strengthen national security and reinforce the resolve to stamp out terrorism from Nigeria.

Former Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has said the proposed bill to establish State Police in Nigeria could improve response to insecurity, but must be backed by strong legal frameworks and accountability

Speaking in an interview on the Frontiers, an NTA International Program, Dr. Osagie said the issue has generated intense national debate, with Nigerians divided on whether decentralising policing is the solution to the country’s security challenges.

According to him the Greek Proverb days “Necessity is usually the mother of all inventions,” Dr Samson Osagie said “After over a decade of battling insecurity, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminalities, it has become pertinent to explore new measures to end or minimize to the barest minimum the problemsof insecurity”

The former Federal Lawmaker also noted that Nigeria has been bedevilled by numerous security challenges under the current centralised police structure. He observed that state governments do not have control over the security architecture within their states, and as a result, government must “think outside the box.”

According to him, the Federal Government is now considering a state police structure intended to enable swifter response to security issues.

Dr. Osagie cited Sections 32, 34, 35 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution in which the phrase ” Nigerian Police Force ” was copiusly used as the sole law enforcement organ of the country with the mandate to ensure law and order, adding that the contemplation of an additional layer of policing is therefore not out of place within the framework of the nation’s constitution.

He further disclosed that Section 153 and 197 of the Constitution is being amended to provide for a dual policing structure.

At the federal level, there will be a Federal Police Force headed by the Inspector General of Police to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Police Council while the recruitment, promotion and discipline of other tanks of the Federal Police remains the function of the National Police Service Commission. At the state level, states will be empowered to create their own State Police Structure by laws made by the various State Houses of Assembly why the State Governor will have the power to appoint tye State Commissioner of Police upon the recommendation of the state police service commission and confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

He said the Federal Police will enforce federal laws and prosecute federal offences, while the State Police will perform similar functions at the state level.

However, Dr. Osagie stressed that structure and accountability are critical for state police to function optimally.

“There will be National Minimum Standard for the policing by a Law to be enacted by the National Assembly. He explained thqt the bill contain provisions which will make state police commissioners not to carry out certain instructions if those instructions are illegal or inconsistent with the National minimum standard of policing.
He submitted that there must be lawful directives in line with the national minimum standard,” he said.

He added that there must be laid-down rules and regulations, and proper training for officers when the law comes into force, to ensure no officer takes the law into their own hands.

He concluded that putting all necessary measures in place is critical to ensure effective checks against abuse as the country continues to confront security challenges.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered that 48 properties linked to the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, be taken over by the Federal Government.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proven that the properties were likely bought with money from illegal activities.

The EFCC had filed the suit seeking to permanently take over 57 properties worth N212.8 billion alleged to be linked to Malami. Justice Abdulmalik said Malami failed to show that he acquired the properties through legal means.

Earlier, the judge dismissed several applications and motions filed to claim ownership of the properties by Malami, his family members, and some companies linked to the properties. She stated that the issue before the court was not “who owns the properties, but whether the money used to buy the properties was legitimately obtained.”

Justice Abdulmalik gave the order based on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

However, the judge also cancelled the earlier court order on nine other properties included in the EFCC’s application.
She said the anti-graft agency failed to prove that the nine properties located in Kebbi and Kaduna states were bought with illegal money.

Teachers and pupils abducted during the May 15, 2026 attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have regained their freedom after spending over 50 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped when heavily armed gunmen attacked three schools in the community, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers, and the school principal. The attack sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of schools across Nigeria.

The ordeal took a tragic turn days after the abduction when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors. The incident heightened public anxiety and calls for urgent measures to secure educational institutions.

Confirming their release, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the victims were rescued through a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies.

According to him, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, while several others were neutralized during the operation.

Onanuga stated that no ransom was paid and no prisoner swap took place. He explained that although the kidnappers demanded the release of one of their kingpins, the Federal Government rejected the demand because the suspect is already facing prosecution for terrorism-related offences.

He added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive briefing on the rescue operation in due course.

The successful rescue has brought relief to the victims’ families, the Ahoro-Esiele community, and Nigerians who followed the case for more than eight weeks.

Security agencies are expected to release further details on the operation, including the condition of the rescued victims and ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicat

Edo State Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Dr Samson Osagie has congratulated the Chairman-Elect of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Omorodion Omogui, Esq., and members of his executive on their emergence as Chairman-Elect and members of the NBA Executive.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, the former Chief Law Officer stated: “Your emergence into these distinguished offices is a reflection of the unwavering commitment, confidence, trust, and respect that your colleagues have reposed in your individual and collective abilities.”

He expressed optimism that the team, which has earned their leadership through demonstrated service, sound judgment, and competence of character, has gained trust and has embodied same to their colleagues.

Dr. Osagie admonished the Chairman-Elect and his exco, as they embark on this new and exciting chapter of leadership, to approach their responsibilities with courage, humility, fairness, transparency, and unwavering dedication.

Other members include ,Mrs Osama Idehen ,Vice-Chairman elect,Bright Iluobe Esq,Secretary,Roland Oboh,Esq,Treasurer,Osayuki Agbonghare, Public Relations Officer,Mercy Ime-Okon ,Esq,Welfare Secretary,Miss Ivie Salome Financial Secretary,Famous Onoriode Esq,Assistant Secretary,Osakpolor Orobor,Esq,Provost and Anwoluwapo Akintomide Esq,Soccial Secretary

He concluded by urging them to be productive and provide forward-looking, positive leadership for the legal community, even as they build on the impact of the outgoing leadership. He congratulated the team on a well-deserved victory, and wished them well as they embark on the saddle.

It is with immense gratitude to God almighty and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that I congratulate Hon Patrick Obahiagbon on his well deserved Appointment as EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd.
Given his contributions to the All Progressives Congress and his consistent commitment to the development of our nation, this Appointment comes at a time it is most appropriate and necessary.
I congratulate you Sir and pray God to guide and guard you in as you assume duty at the NDPHC.
Once again congratulations.

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD
Managing Partner,
Samson Ima-Osagie & Associates
[Law & Justice Chambers]
Legal Practitioners ,Mediators & Notary Public
Abuja | Benin | Lagos- Nigeria