EDO COURT SENTENCES FOUR KIDNAPPERS TO DEATH OVER WOMAN’S ABDUCTION

Justice Aigbona Momodu of the Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four men to death for their involvement in the kidnap of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, marked the court’s maiden ruling in a kidnapping case since its establishment.

The convicts — Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — were prosecuted on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

Delivering judgment, Justice Momodu said the law prescribed mandatory sentences for the offences and left him with no discretion in determining the punishment.

“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law permitted me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,” the judge said.

The court sentenced Isaac to seven years’ imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, 10 years’ imprisonment on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11.

Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine.

Emete Michael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, three, four, six and seven.

Raphael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, four, six and eight.

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.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court was established on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.

In addition to the prison and death sentences, Justice Momodu ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits during the trial.

The court directed that the exhibits be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for destruction within 30 days.