By Simeon OSAJIE
The presiding Judge of the Edo State Special Criminal Court, Justice Aigbona Momodu on Tuesday, 29th September, 2026 sentenced four to death for their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market, along Airport Road, Benin City, the state capital.
The judgment was delivered in the court’s maiden judgment in a kidnapping case.
The convicts faced 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case arose from the broad-daylight abduction of the woman on 14th June, 2026.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court came into being on 1st July, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and expedite the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.
The four condemned criminals are Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
The decision to dedicate a special court for such offences was taken after a daylight kidnapping and robbery in the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City.
A few days after, based on the request from Governor Monday Okpbeholo, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Andrew Okungbowa dedicated two courts for such cases and the suspects from the vegetable market incident became the first people to be arraigned before it.
In all, the prosecution called seven witnesses and seven exhibits on allegations of kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy, membership of a secret cult among others.
It was the close circuit television that provided evidence which assisted the police in the detection and proof of the crime that took place.
In this age, that crime has become sophisticated. I encourage all residents to acquire and install CCTV cameras in their homes, shops, vehicles and business premises. It is no longer a luxury but a necessity for security. I call on the government of Edo State to encourage citizens in this regard through enlightenment and where possible, by providing CCTV cameras in public places like markets, parks and public institutions as it greatly helps in the detection of crime and maintenance of public order.
I must also thank the Nigerian police for their efficiency, diligence and prompt investigation which led to the arrest of the defendants in this notorious vegetable kidnapping case.