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Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced he will sign death warrants for four men convicted of kidnapping if they fail to appeal their sentences within 30 days.
Speaking at a fellowship programme at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Benin City, Okpebholo detailed his administration’s crackdown on cultism and violent crime.
He revealed that police apprehended the suspects within 24 hours of the abduction at the Vegetable Market following his direct instructions to the Commissioner of Police.
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Referring to their September 29 sentence, Okpebholo stated: “They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgement. Even when they appeal the judgement, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute.”
The Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced the four convicts—Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael—to death by hanging or lethal injection for the June 14, 2026, kidnapping of a woman on Airport Road.
Justice Aigbona Momodu convicted the group on multi-count charges, including kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Strict Statutory Penalties
Presiding over the newly inaugurated court, Justice Momodu noted the strict statutory penalties: “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.”
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The judge also ordered the confiscation and destruction of a pump-action firearm used during the crime.
During his address, Okpebholo recalled consulting traditional rulers to prevent intercession for violent offenders while also describing supernatural encounters during his campaign against cultists, including finding dead birds in his office and bedroom following building demolitions.
Ministry founder Apostle Ehijele Umuahia endorsed the governor’s efforts, citing Proverbs 29:2 to encourage congregants to participate in the 2027 general elections and support Okpebholo’s administration.
