Gov. Okpebholo Suspends AG, Commission’s Chairman Over Alleged Fraud

By Ayodele Oni

Attorney General Counters Governor, says nobody had the courtesy to confront him with allegation

Suspended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Samson Osagie, has reacted to the allegation of fraud against him, and vowed to prove his innocence.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Osagie claimed he was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone “nor committed any financial infractions of any kind”

Governor  Monday Okpebholo had approved the suspenion of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osagie from office for alleged fraud.

The Governor, also, approved the suspension of the Chairman of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, also for alleged fraud.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor,  dated February 5, 2025 specifically said that both officials were suspended “over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.”

According to the one-page statement, “The suspension is with immediate effect.”

It said that the Governor has ordered the setting up of an investigative committee to probe the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

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

“They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

But the Attorney General in a statement stated: “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 and my suspension was announced.

“I shall be ready, willing, and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard earned reputation, which I have laboured to build over the years.”