“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law permit 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
By Kehinde Jacobs
In a landmark judgement that signals a new tough stance against violent crimes in Edo State, the Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced four men to death for kidnapping.
The court, which was established on July 1, 2026, by Governor Monday Okpebholo to expedite the trial of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, delivered its maiden judgement on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The presiding Judge, Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, found the four defendants guilty on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, 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.
The case arose from the broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City on June 14, 2026. The victim was reportedly at the market with her husband and children when gunmen seized her, an incident that was later confirmed by the Edo State Police Command and which sparked outrage among residents.
During the trial, the Edo State Government called witnesses and tendered several exhibits including video recordings of the defendants during interrogation, their confessional statements, a JoJef pump-action firearm, four cartridges, an Android Camon 20 phone and a Lexus SUV allegedly used for the operation.
Delivering judgement that lasted over three hours, Justice Momodu said the law left him with no discretion as the offences carry mandatory death sentence under the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law.
“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law permit 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 declared.
Giving the breakdown of the sentence, the court sentenced Marvellous Isaac to seven years imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, ten years on count ten and life imprisonment on count eleven.
Wisdom Michael was sentenced to seven years on count one and death on counts two to nine.
Rufus Emete Michael received seven years on count one and death sentences on counts two, three, four, six and seven.
Gift Raphael was sentenced to seven years on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.
Parts of the Judge’s pronouncement read: “Fourth defendant, in count one, you, Gift Raphael, are hereby sentenced to seven years imprisonment. In count two, four, six, and eight, you, Gift Raphael, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection. You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”
The court also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the pump-action firearm and cartridges tendered as exhibits, directing that they be handed to the Edo State Police Armourer for destruction within 30 days.
The judgement attracted a large crowd of residents, lawyers and journalists to the court premises, many of whom described it as a warning to criminal elements in the state.
With this maiden judgement, the Okpebholo administration has restated its commitment to stamp out kidnapping and cult-related violence and restore security to all parts of Edo State.
