BENIN: The Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has introduced far-reaching reforms in the justice sector aimed at improving access, efficiency and fairness in the system under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Raphael Osagie, who announced the reforms on Monday in Benin City, said the governor had within nine months repositioned the Ministry of Justice as the fulcrum of peace, order and good governance.
According to Osagie, the Department of Public Prosecutions is currently handling more than 2,000 criminal cases, including murder, robbery, kidnapping, arson and sexual violence.
He disclosed that prosecutors have already secured multiple convictions, many of which have been upheld by higher courts.
“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,” the commissioner said.
He noted that the administration had streamlined the process of rendering legal opinions and initiating prosecutions, while also ensuring suspects have immediate access to legal representation through the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme. On the civil side, the state has defended hundreds of cases, resolved sensitive land disputes, and won multiple judgments, saving citizens years of litigation.
Osagie also noted legislative interventions, including the extension of retirement age for magistrates, establishment of new regulatory agencies, amendments to property protection laws and the development of a fresh healthcare regulation framework.
The Citizens’ Mediation Centre and the Department of Citizens’ Rights have also been strengthened to enable residents resolve disputes such as domestic violence and workplace conflicts without prolonged court proceedings.
On correctional reforms, the commissioner said the governor had directed efforts to decongest custodial centres, particularly by reviewing cases of inmates detained for years over bailable offences.
“This is not just a legal reform; it is a humane intervention that restores dignity and gives people a second chance at life,” he added.
The Ministry, according to him, is also undergoing institutional strengthening through retraining of state counsels at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, creation of a dedicated appeals office and plans to establish a digitized law library and e-case management system.
“What Governor Okpebholo is doing is restoring justice as the heartbeat of governance. By ensuring criminals are swiftly prosecuted, by defending citizens’ rights in civil cases, by reforming our laws, by mediating disputes before they escalate and by giving voice to the vulnerable, the administration of Governor Okpebholo is sending a clear message that justice in Edo State is for all, not just the privileged few,” Osagie said.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the reforms, stressing that justice delivery would continue to be prioritized as a driver of peace, security and sustainable development.
