The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has sentenced four men to death for kidnapping and other offences following its maiden judgment on Monday.
Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment after finding the defendants guilty of an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
The case followed the broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026.
According to the case presented before the court, armed men reportedly used an SUV to abduct the woman, prompting a police investigation and subsequent arrests.
The court sentenced Isaac to seven years imprisonment on count one, death on counts two to nine, 10 years on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11.
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, while 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.
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.
During the judgment, Justice Momodu said the state’s anti-kidnapping law left the court with no discretion after finding the defendants guilty of offences that carry the death penalty.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had previously stated that he would personally sign the death warrants of persons convicted by the special court.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
