The Edo State Government has unveiled far-reaching reforms in the justice sector under Governor Monday Okpebholo, designed to make justice accessible, efficient, and fair for every citizen.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Raphael Osagie, said the governor has, in just nine months, repositioned the Ministry of Justice as the cornerstone of peace, order, and good governance in Edo State.
According to him, “The vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo is clear: to build a secure and developed state through justice. That is why he has given full direction and backing to the Ministry to ensure justice becomes the lived reality of every Edo person.”
Currently, the Department of Public Prosecutions is handling over 2,000 active criminal cases, ranging from murder and robbery to kidnapping, arson, and sexual violence. Dozens of convictions have been secured and upheld at appellate courts, reflecting the diligence of state prosecutors.
Through the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, suspects now enjoy immediate legal representation at the point of arrest, guaranteeing fairness and respect for human rights. On the civil front, the state has successfully defended hundreds of cases, secured key judgments, and mediated sensitive land disputes saving citizens from prolonged litigation.
Other bold interventions include extension of retirement age for magistrates, amendments to property protection laws, the creation of new regulatory agencies, and reforms in healthcare regulation. The Citizens’ Mediation Centre and the Department of Citizens’ Rights have also been strengthened, enabling ordinary citizens to resolve disputes from domestic violence to workplace conflicts without long-drawn court processes.
On correctional reforms, Dr. Osagie said Governor Okpebholo has ordered initiatives to decongest custodial centres, especially for inmates held for years on bailable offences. “This is not just legal reform; it is a humane intervention that restores dignity and gives people a second chance at life,” he stated.
He also disclosed plans to digitise justice delivery through retraining of state counsels, a dedicated appeals office, a modern e-case management system, and a fully digitised law library at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy.
“What Governor Okpebholo is doing is restoring justice as the heartbeat of governance. By prosecuting criminals swiftly, defending citizens’ rights, reforming laws, mediating disputes, and protecting the vulnerable, this administration is proving that justice in Edo State is for all, not the privileged few,” Osagie concluded.
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