Edo State Special Court set up by Governor Okpebholo to handle cult-related and kidnapping cases has delivered judgment in its first case by sentencing four suspected kidnappers to death by hanging over the kidnapping of one Precious Oseghale at Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14th, 2026.
Justice T. A. Momodu found the four suspects guilty on the 11-count charge relating to alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The judge also rejected the alibi defence presented by the suspects, noting that they did not raise it during police questioning.
The Kidnappers in Court
The four suspected kidnappers are:
– Marvellous Isaac, aged 32
– Wisdom Michael, aged 36
– Rufus Emete Michael, aged 30
– Gift Raphael, aged 27
The special court was established by the Chief Judge of Edo State to facilitate the speedy trial of cases involving alleged cultism and kidnapping, following a request by Governor Okpebholo to the Chief Judge on June 19.
The governor had also vowed to sign the death warrant for kidnappers and cultists convicted under state laws and have them executed by hanging.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution. We will take you to the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” the governor had said.