August 25, 2025 – In a significant move to redefine the legal landscape, the Edo State Government has announced a comprehensive suite of judicial reforms spearheaded by Governor Monday Okpebholo, aimed at restoring accessibility, efficiency, and fairness to the justice system for all citizens.
The bold initiatives, which span criminal prosecution, civil litigation, legislative review, and correctional services, were detailed by the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Raphael Osagie.
He stated that within just nine months of assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has strategically repositioned the Ministry of Justice as the foundational pillar for peace, order, and good governance in the state.
“The vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo is clear: to build a secure and developed state through justice,” Dr. Osagie stated. “That is why he has given full direction and backing to the Ministry to ensure justice becomes the lived reality of every Edo person.”
The reforms have already yielded tangible results. The Department of Public Prosecutions is currently handling over 2,000 active criminal cases, including serious offences such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, arson, and sexual violence. The administration has secured dozens of convictions, many of which have been upheld by higher courts, signalling a new era of diligence and efficacy for state prosecutors.
On the front end of the justice process, the Okpebholo administration has streamlined the rendering of legal opinions and initiating prosecutions. A key intervention is the strengthening of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS), which now ensures suspects have immediate access to legal representation at the very point of arrest, safeguarding their fundamental human rights from the outset.
The civil justice sector has also seen marked improvement. The state has successfully defended hundreds of cases against the government, secured multiple favourable judgments, and mediated sensitive disputes, particularly around land, saving citizens from the financial and emotional burden of prolonged litigation.
Dr. Osagie highlighted recent legislative interventions as critical to the reform agenda. These include the extension of the retirement age for magistrates to retain experienced jurists, the establishment of new regulatory agencies, amendments to property protection laws, and the development of a new framework for healthcare regulation.
Beyond the courtroom, the government has empowered citizens through the strengthened Citizens’ Mediation Centre and the Department of Citizens’ Rights. These bodies now provide robust platforms for resolving everyday disputes—from domestic violence to workplace conflicts—without the need for expensive and lengthy court processes.
In a move described as a “humane intervention,” Governor Okpebholo has also directed a bold initiative to decongest the state’s custodial centres. The initiative focuses on inmates who have been held for years on bailable offences, aiming to restore dignity and offer a second chance at life.
To ensure the sustainability of these reforms, the Ministry is undergoing significant institutional strengthening. This includes the retraining of state counsels at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, the establishment of a dedicated appeals office, and plans for a fully digitised law library and e-case management system.
“What Governor Okpebholo is doing is restoring justice as the heartbeat of governance,” Dr. Osagie concluded. “By ensuring criminals are swiftly prosecuted, by defending citizens’ rights, by reforming our laws, and by giving voice to the vulnerable, the administration is sending a clear message that justice in Edo State is for all, not just the privileged few.”
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