An Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City on Tuesday sentenced three men and one woman to death by hanging (or lethal injection) for their roles in a kidnapping and related offences, including membership of a secret cult.
Justice Aigbona Momodu (also referred to in reports as Terry Momodu Aigbona) delivered the court’s maiden judgment in a kidnapping case after a lengthy sitting. The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32 (described as the gang leader); Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
They faced an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. The case stemmed from the broad-daylight abduction of a woman on June 14, 2026, at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. Reports indicate the victim was later released unharmed after a ransom was paid; one account specified N8 million.
Police investigations led to the suspects’ arrests days later following an exchange of gunfire. Exhibits recovered included a pump-action rifle and cartridges, which the court ordered handed over to the relevant police authorities.
The Special Criminal Court was established on July 1, 2026, at the direction of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to expedite the trial of kidnapping and cultism cases amid concerns over violent crime in the state. The governor had previously indicated that those convicted of such offences would face the full weight of the law, including capital punishment where applicable.
In pronouncing sentence, the judge noted that the law left little room for discretion on the capital counts. Marvellous Isaac received the death sentence on multiple counts, along with other terms of imprisonment on remaining counts; the co-convicts were similarly sentenced to death on the key kidnapping and related charges.
The judgment marks the first major outcome from the specialised court set up to tackle violent crimes in Edo State. Further details on any appeals or next steps were not immediately available.
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