EDO CLOSES CASE AGAINST FOUR SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, DEFENCE TO OPEN JULY 24
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Edo State Government has closed its case in the trial of four suspected kidnappers after calling seven witnesses before a special court established to hear kidnapping and cult-related cases.
The four defendants — Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 — are standing trial over the alleged abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.
They are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The prosecution, led by the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru, concluded its case on Tuesday after presenting seven witnesses, including victims and investigating police officers.
Five of the witnesses, who testified during the previous sitting, were alleged victims of the defendants, while the remaining two were investigating officers.
One of the investigators attached to the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team, Zone 5 Annex, tendered video recordings of the suspects’ interrogation and their written statements as exhibits.
The officer also presented a voice note allegedly involving the fourth defendant, Gift Raphael, during a conversation with the alleged gang leader, Marvellous Isaac, who was said to be her boyfriend.
Other exhibits admitted by the court included a pump-action gun, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone and a Lexus SUV allegedly linked to the suspects.
Counsel to the defendants, Amaechi Onwuzor and Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, cross-examined the prosecution witnesses. Onwuzor objected to the admissibility of some of the documentary evidence and said the defence would address the issues in its final written address.
Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu subsequently adjourned the matter until July 24, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the prosecution had presented substantial evidence, including the firearm allegedly used by the suspects.
He said the special court, established by the Chief Judge of Edo State, underscored the government’s determination to tackle kidnapping and cult-related crimes.
According to Okoror, the court has the legal mandate to exclusively handle kidnapping and cultism cases.
Also speaking, defence counsel Amaechi Onwuzor said he was representing the first, second and third defendants on a pro bono basis in line with the constitutional right to fair hearing.
He expressed confidence that the court would deliver its judgment based solely on the evidence presented by both parties at the conclusion of the trial.
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