Okpebholo Suspends Samson Osagie, Edo Attorney-General, Lawani, LG Service Commission Chairman, for Alleged Financial Infractions

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday suspended the state’s Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice, Samson Osagie, PhD, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani citing “grave official and financial infractions”.

However, in a swift reaction, Dr. Osagie denied the allegations, asserting that he was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. He expressed readiness to defend himself and clear his name.

A three-paragraph Government Special Announcement dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the secretary to the state government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, reads:

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office, of the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie Ph.D., over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.

“The suspension is with immediate effect. Consequently, the Governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions leveled against them.

“They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation”.
Reacting to his suspension, Osagie, in a personally signed statement, said:

“My attention has just been drawn to a government special announcement dated 5th February 2025 in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government service commission and therefore suspended.

“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.

“I will be prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard-earned reputation which I have labored to build over the years”.