The Edo ministry of justice has secured at least 13 criminal convictions and over 22 civil litigation judgements in favour of the state within seven months.

Attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Samson Osagie, disclosed this on Monday in Benin while briefing journalists on the ministry’s notable achievements across its departments.

He said the Department of Public Prosecutions secured 13 criminal convictions with varying sentences, including terms of imprisonment and death sentences.

The 22 civil litigation judgements covered employment and labour disputes, contractual issues, and land matters, among others.

He added that the department received 441 case files from the police and rendered legal opinions on 341 cases.

Additionally, appellate courts upheld 10 criminal appeal cases filed by the department.

“The Department of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting 2,040 criminal cases.

“A total of 241 cases have been filed in respect of sundry matters, excluding rape and defilement, while 87 rape cases have also been filed,” he said.

According to him, the Department of Civil Litigation defended the state in over 253 civil cases pending at various high courts, with 22 judgements in the state’s favour.

Mr Osagie said some matters were settled amicably through consent judgements, reflecting the ministry’s ability to defend and pursue the state’s legal interests.

He added that the ministry had drafted and reviewed several bills, including the Edo State Parks and Agency Bill and the Edo State Lottery Commission Bill.

“It has mediated and intervened in over 27 chieftaincy matters and rendered legal opinions on several chieftaincy disputes,” he stated.

The commissioner said the Department of Citizens’ Rights concluded 101 cases, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to protecting human rights.

He noted that the Citizens’ Mediation Centre resolved 50 cases through mediation, promoting alternative dispute resolution in the state.

He added that, with the support of Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s administration, the ministry will continue striving to sustain and surpass these achievements.

He added that Mr Okpebholo’s administration remains committed to ensuring the course of justice in the state is unhindered.

(NAN)