Edo Attorney General denies alleged meeting with Supreme Court justice, condemns social media claims

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, has firmly denied allegations of judicial interference in the ongoing governorship election appeal before the Supreme Court. He described the claims as false, malicious, and aimed at undermining the integrity of the legal process.

Speaking during the June monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, held at the Bar House in Benin City, Osagie addressed the controversy directly, calling on legal professionals to uphold ethical standards—especially in the use of social media.

“This occasion is significant to me in many respects,” he said. “It is my first opportunity to formally address the Lion Bar as the Chief Law Officer of our dear state, nearly 30 years after being called to the Nigerian Bar.”

Dr. Osagie commended the NBA Benin Branch for its leadership in legal reforms and professional conduct, noting, “The Lion Bar has remained a trailblazer in peaceful transitions and in the implementation of the association’s policies.”

On the broader issue of governance and the rule of law, the Attorney General reiterated the state government’s commitment under Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo. “This administration is determined to uphold the rule of law,” he said, “but rights must be exercised within legal limits.”

ALSO READ: Nigerian Banks absorb N3.77trn in loan losses amid economic turmoil

Dr. Osagie took particular exception to allegations made by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, who had claimed on social media that Osagie was seen leaving the Protea Hotel in Benin City on June 10, 2025, alongside a Justice of the Supreme Court. The post suggested the encounter was improper, given the pending appeal regarding the Edo governorship election.

Describing the accusation as a “wicked, malicious, and unpatriotic vitriolic attack,” Osagie insisted, “There was no meeting of any kind with any judicial officer regarding the pending appeal.”

He referenced a clarifying statement issued by the Supreme Court, which confirmed that the Justice mentioned had official permission to attend a private event in Benin City organized by a former President of the African Bar Association.

“Assuming but not conceding that I was even at the said hotel, how does that translate to meeting with the jurist?” Osagie asked, dismissing the logic behind the allegations.

He further criticized video footage circulated by Odinkalu’s associates, stating that it was both inconclusive and defamatory. “Nowhere in the video is my image shown,” he noted. “Such attempts to undermine our shared professional standing are unbecoming of a lawyer of that stature.”

In his closing remarks, Osagie urged members of the legal community to exercise caution and integrity, especially in the digital age. “Criticism is welcome,” he said, “but it must be grounded in verifiable and unimpeachable facts. Social media should not be used as a weapon to destroy reputations.”