Edo court sentences four to death for kidnapping and cult membership

An Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four people to death by hanging for offences including kidnapping and membership of a secret cult. Justice Terry Momodu delivered the judgment in Benin City on Tuesday, after more than three hours of proceedings on an 11-count charge. The convicts were identified as Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.

The charges included conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and membership of a secret cult. The prosecution called seven witnesses and presented seven exhibits during the trial, the judge said. Justice Momodu said CCTV footage submitted as evidence helped police prove the case against the defendants.

He urged residents to install cameras in homes, businesses, vehicles and other properties, saying the technology was important for detecting crime and maintaining public order. He also encouraged the Edo State government to support public CCTV provision in markets, parks and public institutions where possible. The judge commended the police for what he described as efficient and diligent investigations that led to the arrests.

The special court was established after a daylight kidnapping and robbery at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin on 14 June. The report said Governor Monday Okpebholo requested the courts, after which Edo Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa inaugurated them. The defendants arrested in connection with the market incident became the first people arraigned before the special court.

The judgment followed proceedings on the case arising from that incident, according to the report. Felix Imasuen, counsel for Raphael, said the court had delivered its judgment and that his client would appeal. State counsel Roland Otaru, who is also the commissioner for justice and attorney-general, commended the judiciary and said the ruling would deter others involved in crime.