Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said he will sign the death warrants of four men convicted of kidnapping at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, if they fail to appeal their sentences within 30 days.
The governor made the declaration during a fellowship programme at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Benin City, where he spoke about his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
Okpebholo said insecurity was one of the major challenges he encountered when he assumed office, adding that he had discussed security concerns and the condition of roads in Edo State with President Bola Tinubu.
He said he informed the President about the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market and assured him that his administration would take action against the perpetrators.
According to the governor, he prayed for the suspects’ arrest within 24 hours before instructing the Commissioner of Police to take action.
“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” Okpebholo was quoted as saying on Friday.
The governor said an Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced the four men to death on September 29, 2026, for abducting a woman at the market.
“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
Okpebholo also disclosed that he met prominent traditional rulers across the state before launching his administration’s crackdown on kidnapping and cultism. He said he warned them against intervening on behalf of anyone involved in such crimes.
Recounting what he described as spiritual experiences associated with the campaign, the governor said strange incidents occurred after his administration demolished a building allegedly linked to a cult group.
“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.
At the event, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged members of the congregation to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and vote for Okpebholo and his preferred candidates.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, Umuahia said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by civic responsibility. He encouraged Christians to turn out in large numbers to vote.
The cleric described Okpebholo as a humble man with a longstanding commitment to God, saying he had known the governor for more than 15 years, dating back to the days of the late Chief Tony Anenih.
“Whenever Chief Tony Anenih came to visit me, he was one of those who accompanied him,” Umuahia said. “That was how we came to know each other.”
Special Trial
Justice Aigbona Momodu of the Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced the four men — Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — to death on multiple counts over their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman on June 14, 2026.
The defendants faced an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
While delivering the judgment, Justice Momodu said the law limited his discretion in sentencing the defendants.
“My hands are tied under the law. I wish I have 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 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.
Wisdom Michael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two to nine.
Rufus Emete Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six and seven.
Gift Raphael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, four, six and eight.
Justice Momodu also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits during the trial. He directed that the items be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State Criminal Investigation Department for destruction within 30 days.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court was inaugurated on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism cases and accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.