Department of Civil Litigation
Defending state interests, advancing justice — across every court in the judicial hierarchy
Department of Civil Litigation
Defending state interests, advancing justice — across every court in the judicial hierarchy.
The Department of Civil Litigation is one of the largest and most critical departments within the Ministry of Justice, situated in the Chambers of the Honourable Attorney-General. It is responsible for handling all civil matters involving the interests of the Rivers State Government across various courts in the judicial hierarchy.
The department defends the Rivers State Government in civil suits initiated by individuals, corporate bodies, and various sectors of society, and also initiates legal actions against organisations whose activities infringe upon the integrity and general well-being of the Rivers State Government.
Beyond courtroom representation, the department provides strategic legal advice to Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), facilitates amicable out-of-court settlements, explores alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and coordinates appeals at both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court levels.
1,200+
Active civil matters
70+
New cases annually
42
Courts covered
30+
Years of leadership
Areas of practice
Director, Department of Civil Litigation
Dr Ibiene Mbano
Director of Civil Litigation
Ibiene Pamela Mbano (née Fubara), a native of Kalama in Opobo, Rivers State, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 and joined the Chambers of the Honourable Attorney-General in 1998. Over three decades she has built an exceptional career in public service, progressing from State Counsel through to three key directorships — Director of Public Prosecutions (2019–2021), Director of the Office of the Public Defender (2021–2024), and her current role as Director of Civil Litigation (2024–present).
Career progression
- 1998–2002 State Counsel
- 2002–2005 Senior State Counsel
- 2005–2008 Principal State Counsel
- 2008–2012 Chief State Counsel
- 2012–2019 Asst. Director of Public Prosecutions
- 2019–2021 Director of Public Prosecutions
- 2021–2024 Director, Office of the Public Defender
- 2024–present Director of Civil Litigation
- Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) — Degema Branch
- NBA Section on Legal Practice
- Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (Associate)
- Society for Corporate Governance
- Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and Conciliators
- Chartered Institute of Administrators
- Amnesty International Nigeria
Strategic initiatives
Resident counsel coverage
Dedicated counsel assigned across all 42 courts in Rivers State for continuous case coverage.
Inter-ministerial collaboration
Enhanced protocols for cross-ministry legal coordination to reduce exposure and duplication.
Mandatory contract vetting
Structured pre-execution vetting procedures that have significantly reduced litigation exposure.
“Defending the Rivers State Government in civil suits — and initiating actions that protect its integrity, corporate existence, and the well-being of its people.”