Okpebholo launches sweeping legal reforms in Edo State

In just nine months in office, Governor Monday Okpebholo has begun what officials call a groundbreaking overhaul of Edo State’s justice system. By targeting slow trials, prison congestion, and limited access to legal representation, with a bold promise: justice for every citizen, not just the privileged.

At a press briefing on Monday, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Raphael Osagie, said the reforms mark a turning point in how justice is delivered. “The vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo is clear: to build a secure and developed state through justice,” he stated.

One of the reform’s most ambitious fronts is the Department of Public Prosecutions, which is currently managing over 2,000 active criminal cases, including serious offences like murder, robbery, and sexual violence. According to Osagie, dozens of convictions have already been secured and upheld in higher courts as a sign, he said, of “the diligence and efficiency of Edo prosecutors.”

To ensure fairness from the moment of arrest, the government has introduced the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, which guarantees immediate legal aid for suspects. “This ensures fairness and respect for human rights,” Osagie noted, emphasizing the importance of legal representation at the point of arrest.

The reforms also focus on civil justice and dispute resolution. Through a strengthened Citizens’ Mediation Centre and Department of Citizens’ Rights, residents can now settle domestic violence, workplace, and land disputes without going to court, a strategy that saves time and reduces court congestion.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration has also introduced several legislative changes, including extending magistrates’ retirement age and amending property protection laws. New regulatory agencies and a healthcare legal framework are also in place, forming part of what the government calls a “modernized legal ecosystem.”

On the correctional side, the state is tackling overcrowded custodial centres. Many inmates awaiting trial for years over bailable offences are now being prioritized for release or expedited hearings. “This is not just a legal reform; it is a humane intervention,” Osagie said. “It restores dignity and gives people a second chance at life.”

To sustain these changes, the Ministry is building internal capacity. State counsels are undergoing training at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, while plans are underway for a digitised law library, e-case management system, and a dedicated appeals office to improve case handling and legal research.

“What Governor Okpebholo is doing is restoring justice as the heartbeat of governance,” Osagie concluded. From swifter prosecutions to defending civil rights and reducing prison congestion, the administration insists it is laying the groundwork for a justice system that works for everyone and not just those with means or influence.