The Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025 and the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025 aim to enhance institutional discipline, transparency, and the protection of public assets.
Key Provisions of the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025:
1. Establishment of a Protection Committee: The law creates the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, tasked with overseeing and safeguarding state-owned properties.
2. Powers of the Committee: The committee can identify, inspect, seal, and recover encroached properties, investigate disputes, and collaborate with law enforcement to enforce compliance.
3. Penalties for Violations:
• Unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without permission can result in a five-year prison term.
• Violent or forceful entry into state-owned property may lead to a ten-year imprisonment, depending on the offense’s severity.
4. Accountability for Professionals: Professionals involved in illegal land transactions may face prosecution and disciplinary action from their professional bodies.
5. Deterrence Against Fraud: Severe penalties will be imposed for false petitions or fraudulent claims related to government lands.
Key Provisions of the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025:
1. Reconstitution of the Court: The law re-establishes the Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record, aligning with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
2. Jurisdiction: The court will handle civil proceedings involving customary law, as well as matters related to chieftaincy and traditional stools.
3. Appointment of Judges: The Governor will appoint the President of the court based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, with confirmation from the Edo State House of Assembly. Other judges must have at least ten years of experience in customary law.
4. Judicial Independence: The salaries and allowances of the court’s judges will be charged directly to the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund to ensure independence.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that these laws reflect a commitment to fighting corruption and protecting public assets for the benefit of Edo State citizens. The Attorney-General praised the legislation as a transformative step towards better asset governance and judicial integrity, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to good governance and investor confidence.
