Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Dr. Samson R. Osagie, has refuted allegations of judicial interference in the ongoing governorship appeal and called on legal professionals to uphold ethical standards, particularly in the use of social media. He made these remarks during an address at the June monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, held at the Bar House, Benin City.
Dr. Osagie described the event as a significant moment, noting that it was his first formal address to the Lion Bar since being called to the Nigerian Bar over three decades ago. “This opportunity is remarkable in many respects… I am doing so as the Chief Law Officer of our dear State,” he said, recounting his journey since joining the NBA Benin Branch in 1996.
He commended the Benin Branch of the NBA for its consistency in promoting legal reforms and professional excellence. “The Lion Bar has remained a trailblazer… in peaceful transitions and the implementation of the Association’s policies,” he noted, urging senior members of the Bar to mentor younger colleagues in adapting to technological advancements shaping the future of legal practice.
Speaking on governance, Osagie affirmed the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to the rule of law. “This government is determined to uphold justice and citizens’ rights, but recognizes that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law,” he said. He acknowledged gaps in the legal system that still require attention but assured the legal community of the government’s dedication to lawful and people-oriented governance.
Addressing recent claims made by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Osagie vehemently denied ever meeting with any judicial officer at Protea Hotel, Benin City, on June 10, 2025, as alleged. He described the claims as “wicked, malicious, and unpatriotic vitriolic attacks,” emphasizing that there was “no meeting of any kind” regarding the pending appeal before the courts.
Quoting a statement from the Supreme Court, Osagie noted that the Justice in question had official permission to attend a private event in Benin involving a former President of the African Bar Association. “Assuming but not conceding that I was in the said facility… how does that translate to meeting with the jurist?” he queried.
He criticized the video circulated by Odinkalu’s associates as inconclusive and defamatory. “There is nowhere my image was shown… such an attempt to undermine our joint image and professional standing is unbecoming of a lawyer of that status,” Osagie remarked. He cautioned against the weaponization of social media, stating that criticism must rest on “verifiable and unimpeachable facts.”
The Attorney General urged the NBA Benin Branch to take firm action against unprofessional conduct, especially online. He advocated for expanding disciplinary frameworks to include breaches under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. “This kind of behavior amounts to cyberstalking and undermines both judicial independence and public trust in our justice system,” he warned.
Reflecting on his earlier suspension over alleged misconduct, Osagie expressed gratitude to the NBA Benin Branch for their solidarity and to Governor Okpebholo for his decisive leadership. “I was officially exonerated and recalled after a thorough investigation… I must thank His Excellency for ensuring due process prevailed,” he said.
On the issue of cult-related crimes, Osagie revealed that some suspects were discharged due to insufficient evidence. “We don’t issue a ‘No Case to Answer’ or enter a ‘nolle prosequi’ on sentimental grounds,” he asserted. He advised lawyers to refrain from lobbying the DPP or his office and instead prepare solid defenses in court.
In conclusion, Dr. Osagie urged members of the Bar to continue using the law as “an instrument of social engineering and development,” rather than a tool for destroying public institutions. He thanked the NBA Benin executive for the platform and wished members fruitful deliberations.
