The Edo State government has announced suspension of the State’s Attorney-General and Commisioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani for financial infraction allegations.
The suspension, announced early hour of today by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
Ikhilor said the two officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial interactions”.
According to him, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations.
Ikhilor stated: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie 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 Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.”
“The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
The suspension came less than three months after the two officials were appointed by Okpebholo.
However, In a swift response, the suspended Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, denied all allegations of financial misconduct.
In a personal statement issued shortly after his suspension was announced, Osagie expressed his dismay at the accusation, categorically denying any involvement in financial fraud or wrongdoing.
He insisted further that he had not been confronted with the allegations prior to his suspension and vowed to clear his name.
“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,” Osagie said in his statement.
“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.”
Osagie emphasized further, his commitment to defend his integrity, “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”, Osagie stated.
