The Edo State High Court in Benin, presided over by Justice Aigbona Momodu, has sentenced four persons to death for kidnapping and cultism. The court, a special division handling kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, ordered that the convicts be executed by hanging or lethal injection. The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27. They were arraigned on an 11-count charge to which they pleaded not guilty.
According to the prosecution, the four were involved in a series of kidnappings, including the broad-daylight abduction of Oseghale Precious on June 14 at Vegetable Market, Benin. They were arrested three days after the incident, following which other alleged victims came forward to identify them and testify against them. During the trial, the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, called seven witnesses.
The defendants did not call any witnesses in their defence. Delivering judgment, Justice Momodu said the defence did not object to the exhibits tendered by the prosecution, including the defendants’ confessional statements. The judge found the four defendants guilty of various counts of kidnapping. Isaac was convicted on all 11 counts, while Michael was discharged and acquitted on counts 10 and 11.
Rufus Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, three, six and seven. He was, however, discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11. Raphael was discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, seven, nine, 10 and 11. She was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.
The sentences varied among the convicts, with Isaac receiving life imprisonment on count 11, and seven years’ imprisonment on count one, 10 years on count 10, and death on counts two to nine. The court’s decision was based on the evidence presented during the trial, and the judge’s finding that the defendants were guilty of various counts of kidnapping.
Reacting to the judgment, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Notary Public, Olayiwola Afolabi, cautioned the Edo State Government against taking steps to execute the convicts before they exhaust their right of appeal. Afolabi urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to allow the convicts the 90-day period provided by law to appeal the judgment.
Another lawyer, Jude Okonkwo, commended Justice Momodu for what he described as a proper judgment and a commendable effort. The Edo State Government has yet to comment on the judgment or the planned execution of the convicts.
Key points
- The Edo State High Court sentenced four individuals to death for kidnapping and cultism.
- The convicts were involved in a series of kidnappings, including the abduction of Oseghale Precious.
- The convicts have 90 days to appeal the judgment.
