The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has sentenced four men to death for kidnapping and other offences. The court's maiden judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Aigbona Momodu. The convicts, Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27, were found guilty of an 11-count charge. The charges included kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case involved the broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026. Armed men used an SUV to abduct the woman, prompting a police investigation and subsequent arrests. The court's judgment was based on the evidence presented during the trial. The defendants were sentenced to various terms, including death sentences on counts two to nine.
The sentences were as follows: Marvellous Isaac was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one, death on counts two to nine, 10 years on count 10, and life imprisonment on count 11. Wisdom Michael received seven years imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two to nine. Rufus Emete Michael was sentenced to seven years on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six, and seven.
Gift Raphael received seven years on count one and death sentences on counts two, four, six, and eight. The court also ordered the confiscation and public destruction within 30 days of a Jojef pump-action gun and ammunition recovered in connection with the case. This was part of the court's efforts to rid the state of illegal firearms.
The Edo State Government established the Special Criminal Court on July 1, 2026, to expedite the prosecution of serious offences, including kidnapping and cult-related crimes. The court's establishment was a response to the rising cases of kidnapping and other serious crimes in the state. The government has been working to tackle the issue of kidnapping.
During the judgment, Justice Momodu stated that the state’s anti-kidnapping law left the court with no discretion after finding the defendants guilty of offences that carry the death penalty. The law provides for stiff penalties for those convicted of kidnapping and other related crimes.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had previously stated that he would personally sign the death warrants of persons convicted by the special court. The court's judgment marks a significant milestone in the fight against kidnapping and other serious crimes in Edo State. The sentences serve as a deterrent to potential kidnappers and other offenders.
Key points
- The Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four men to death for kidnapping and other offences.
- The court's maiden judgment was delivered by Justice Aigbona Momodu on Monday.
- The convicts were sentenced to various terms, including death sentences, for their roles in the kidnapping.
