Edo Governor Okpebholo Vows To Sign D3ath Warrants Of Four Kidnappers If They Fail To Appeal

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers if they fail to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the governor made the declaration while speaking at a fellowship programme organised by God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he discussed his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

The four defendants were sentenced to death on September 29, 2026, by an Edo State Special Criminal Court for abducting a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

Okpebholo expressed hope that the convicts would not challenge the judgment through an appeal, warning that he was prepared to act if the legally stipulated period elapsed without an appeal being filed.

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment,” the governor said, adding that he would proceed with the execution if they failed to appeal within 30 days.

The governor recalled that insecurity was among the major challenges he encountered when he assumed office. He said he had raised concerns about the state’s road infrastructure and security situation during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Recounting the events surrounding the kidnapping at the Vegetable Market, Okpebholo said he contacted the President after the incident and was asked whether he could handle the situation. He said he assured Tinubu that he could address the problem.

The governor further claimed that he prayed for the suspects to be arrested within 24 hours before contacting the state Commissioner of Police to demand urgent action. According to him, the suspects were apprehended within the period he had anticipated.

Okpebholo also disclosed that, before launching his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism, he met with prominent traditional rulers across Edo State and warned them against intervening on behalf of individuals involved in such criminal activities.

During the fellowship, he recounted unusual incidents he associated with spiritual forces following the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group. He claimed that a black bird died in his office after the demolition and that a vulture died in his bed while he was contesting the governorship election.

The governor’s remarks came as the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged members of the congregation to support Okpebholo and his preferred candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Citing Proverbs 29:2, Umuahia said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by active participation in the electoral process. He encouraged church members to exercise their voting rights and support candidates they believed would provide effective leadership.

The cleric described Okpebholo as a humble individual whose religious commitment predated his emergence as governor. He said he had known the governor for more than 15 years, dating back to the period when the late Chief Tony Anenih was alive.

Umuahia recalled that Okpebholo was among those who accompanied Anenih during visits to his ministry, a relationship through which he said he became acquainted with the governor.

The governor’s declaration has drawn attention to the next steps in the kidnapping case, although any execution would remain subject to applicable legal procedures and the outcome of any appeal filed by the convicted defendants.