The Edo State Government has announced the suspension of its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, alongside the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
The suspension was confirmed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Musa Ikhilor, in a statement issued in Benin on Thursday morning.
Ikhilor stated that the suspension of the two high-ranking officials is in connection with allegations of “grave official and financial infractions.”
According to Vanguard, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, will remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation into the claims made against them.
The SSG’s statement reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions. The suspension is with immediate effect.”
He further disclosed that Governor Okpebholo has ordered the formation of an Investigative Committee to probe the allegations and make recommendations accordingly.
“The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the Government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.
“The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation,” Ikhilor added.
The suspension comes less than three months after the officials were appointed to their respective positions.
