The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie, has lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering support for the Ministry of Justice, describing it as pivotal in ensuring that justice delivery in the State remains unhindered.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday, Dr Osagie unveiled the Ministry’s scorecard for the past seven months, highlighting achievements across its eight core departments and other strategic units.
According to him, the presentation was aimed at updating Edo citizens on the “herculean task” of the Ministry, the progress made under the present administration, and the policies driving the justice sector.
“The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the mandate of this Ministry towards ensuring that the course of justice administration in the State is unhindered,” he said.
On criminal prosecutions, Dr Osagie revealed that the Department of Public Prosecutions is currently handling 2,040 cases, with 441 case files received from the police within the review period. Of these, legal opinions have been issued in 341 cases, 241 cases filed in court, and 87 rape cases prosecuted. Thirteen convictions, including death sentences, were secured, while 10 appeals were upheld by higher courts.
He noted that slow trials—largely due to the inability of suspects to appear in court—remain a challenge, but said plans were underway to provide logistics for quicker dispensation of justice.
On civil litigation, the Attorney-General disclosed that the Ministry is defending over 300 civil cases at various court levels, with 22 judgements delivered in favour of the state in the past seven months. Some land disputes from the previous administration, he added, had been resolved through consent judgements.
The Department of Legal Drafting, Dr Osagie said, had prepared and reviewed several bills, including those on judicial retirement age, health insurance amendments, animal disease control, property protection, and the establishment of the Edo State Lottery Commission. Over 48 contracts and legal instruments were also vetted.
The Ministry’s Citizens’ Rights Department concluded 101 rights-related cases, while the Citizens Mediation Centre amicably resolved 50 disputes ranging from family issues to contractual disagreements.
Dr Osagie also commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs A.O. Aigbavoa, for her leadership in harmonising departmental operations, and disclosed ongoing plans to revitalise the Ministry’s library and create a digital case management system.
He concluded that the Ministry’s progress was a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of its staff. “We remain committed to sustaining and surpassing these milestones, ensuring that the Edo State Ministry of Justice continues to serve as a beacon of justice, fairness, and good governance,” he affirmed.
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