The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City is set to deliver its first judgment in a kidnapping case on Tuesday, September 29, in what will be an early test of the state’s drive to expedite the prosecution of violent crimes.
The case stems from the June 14 abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, where gunmen reportedly seized her in broad daylight and fled in an SUV.
The incident triggered a police investigation that led to the arrest of several suspects, including Marvelous Isaac, 32, who was arrested on June 18 during a gun duel with operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team.
Another suspected gang member, identified as Precious, was killed during the operation.
Further arrests led to the apprehension of Gift Raphael, 27, as well as Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael. The abducted woman was released unharmed two days after the incident.
In the course of the investigation, the police traced a red Lexus RX 350 allegedly used in the abduction and recovered a pump-action shotgun with live ammunition, a motorcycle and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The Special Criminal Court was established in July 2026 following a directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo to the state judiciary to accelerate the trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.
Speaking during a visit to the Edo State Police Command headquarters after the suspects were paraded, Okpebholo said anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law. He also said he would personally sign death warrants in accordance with existing legislation.
The administration has subsequently placed emphasis on strengthening the state’s security architecture and expediting the prosecution of suspected kidnappers and other violent offenders.
The September 29 judgment will provide an early indication of the court’s capacity to deliver timely verdicts in cases involving kidnapping, violent crime and alleged ransom-related abductions.