Edo State’s special court established to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and cult-related cases has delivered its first judgment, sentencing four suspected kidnappers to death by hanging.

Justice T. A. Momodu convicted the four defendants over the June 14, 2026, kidnapping of Precious Oseghale at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The court found the defendants guilty on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, 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.

Justice Momodu also rejected the alibi defence raised by the defendants, observing that they failed to raise the defence during police interrogation.

The special court was established by the Chief Judge of Edo State following a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo on June 19, 2026, for a dedicated judicial mechanism to ensure the speedy trial of kidnapping and cult-related cases.

The development comes amid the governor’s tough stance against kidnapping and cultism in the state.

While announcing plans for the special court, Okpebholo vowed that he would sign the execution warrants of persons convicted of kidnapping and cult-related offences under applicable state laws.

“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,” the governor had said.

He further warned suspected criminals not to mistake his calm disposition for weakness, declaring that his administration would take decisive action against kidnapping and cultism.