The Edo State Government has suspended its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”.

According to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, the suspension takes immediate effect and is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations. Ikhilor stated that the suspension became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations.

“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,” Ikhilor said. “The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

The governor, Monday Okpebholo, has also ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations. The suspension comes less than three months after the two officials were appointed.