An Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four men to death for their roles in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market area along Airport Road, Benin City. The court, presided over by Justice Aigbona Momodu, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, marking the court's first kidnapping case verdict since its establishment. The convicts, Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael, were tried on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to Justice Momodu, the law prevented him from reducing the punishment despite having personal discretion. The judge sentenced Marvellous Isaac to seven years imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, 10 years imprisonment on count 10, and life imprisonment on count 11. Similarly, 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 imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six, and seven.
The case followed the June 14, 2026, daylight kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, an incident that reportedly happened in public and caused concern among residents. The kidnapping was widely reported and sparked outrage in the community. The Edo State Special Criminal Court was created on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related offences and help speed up the prosecution of violent crime cases in the state.
Apart from the prison and death sentences, Justice Momodu also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered during the trial. The court directed that the weapons be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State CID for destruction within 30 days. This was part of the court's efforts to rid the state of illegal firearms and ensure public safety.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court's judgment is seen as a significant step in the fight against kidnapping and cultism in the state. The court's establishment and swift action in this case demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling violent crimes. The sentence serves as a deterrent to potential kidnappers and cultists, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the security situation in the state.
The convicts were found guilty of various offences, including kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms. The court's decision to sentence them to death and imprisonment reflects the severity of their crimes. The case highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of kidnapping and cultism in the state and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, and it marks a significant milestone in the court's efforts to combat violent crimes. The court's action is expected to send a strong message to potential offenders and to reassure residents of the government's commitment to their safety. The case will likely have a lasting impact on the security situation in Edo State and will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders.
Key points
- Four men have been sentenced to death for kidnapping a woman at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Edo State.
- The Edo State Special Criminal Court delivered the judgment, marking its first kidnapping case verdict since its establishment.
- The convicts were also sentenced to various prison terms for other offences, including conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
