The Edo State Government has suspended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, along with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
The announcement was made on Thursday morning, February 6, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, in a statement issued in Benin.
According to Ikhilor, both officials were suspended over allegations of serious official and financial misconduct. The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor, 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. Consequently, the governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.
“The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them. “The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.
The suspension comes less than three months after both officials were appointed.