Edo Court Sentences Four To D3ath For Kidnapping And Other Offences

A Special Court for Kidnapping and Cultism in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced four members of an alleged kidnapping syndicate to death by hanging or lethal injection after finding them guilty of kidnapping and other offences.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the convicts, identified as Marvelous Isaac, 32; Gift Raphael, 27; Wisdom Michael; and Rufus Michael, were prosecuted on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, among other offences.

The case was heard by Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, who ruled that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt before handing down the death sentences.

The court also ordered the confiscation of firearms and ammunition presented as exhibits during the trial. The items were subsequently ordered to be handed over to the Edo State Police Command for destruction.

The convicts were reportedly linked to the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market area, off Airport Road in Benin City. During the incident, her husband was said to have escaped.

The establishment of the Special Court followed the incident, with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo directing the creation of a dedicated court to handle cases involving kidnapping and cult-related offences in the state.

The ruling represents a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to prosecute cases involving kidnapping and other serious crimes.