The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, has rejected allegations that he interfered in the ongoing Supreme Court appeal related to the Edo governorship election.
He made this statement while addressing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, during its monthly meeting held at the Bar House in Benin City.
Osagie described the occasion as significant, saying it was his first formal address to the Lion Bar since his call 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. He recalled his legal journey, which began in 1996 when he joined the Benin Branch of the NBA.
The Attorney General praised the Benin Branch for playing an important role in legal reform and professional development. According to him, “The Lion Bar has remained a trailblazer in peaceful transitions and implementation of the association’s policies.”
Osagie reaffirmed the state government’s respect for the law. He explained that Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s administration was committed to defending legal rights but within proper legal boundaries.
“This government under Sen. Monday Okpebholo is determined to uphold the rule of law but recognises that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law,” he stated.
Accusation Against Osagie and a Supreme Court Justice
Osagie responded directly to claims made by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. Odinkalu had posted on social media that Osagie and a Supreme Court Justice were seen leaving the Protea Hotel in Benin on June 10, 2025. The implication was that a secret meeting had taken place to influence the court’s decision.
Osagie dismissed the accusation as false and damaging. He described it as a “wicked, malicious and unpatriotic vitriolic attack.” He insisted that no meeting took place and called the story a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and that of the judiciary.
“There was no meeting of any kind with any judicial officer regarding the pending appeal,” he insisted.
He referred to a public clarification by the Supreme Court, which confirmed that the judge mentioned had been granted permission to attend a private social event in Benin City. That event was hosted by 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?” Osagie asked. He added that the circulated video did not show his face or clearly link him to the claims.
“There is nowhere my image was shown, such an attempt to undermine our joint image and professional standing is a conduct unbecoming of a lawyer of that status,” he said.
He advised legal professionals to avoid dragging each other’s names through online platforms and stressed that criticism must rely on “verifiable and unimpeachable facts.”
Osagie warned that social media should not be used as a tool to damage the reputation of legal professionals or judicial officers. He urged members of the legal community to remember the ethical standards that come with the profession and act accordingly.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
