Edo State Special Court to deliver first kidnapping verdict

The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City is scheduled to deliver its first judgment on September 29 in a kidnapping case. The case stems from the June 14 abduction of a woman at a vegetable market along Airport Road, where gunmen using an SUV carried out the attack in broad daylight.

The court was established in July by Governor Monday Okpebholo to expedite the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases. The Governor has stated that those found guilty will face the full weight of the law, including the potential for capital punishment.

Following a police investigation, several suspects were apprehended, including Marvelous Isaac, who was arrested during a gun duel with the Police Intelligence Response Team. Other suspects in custody include Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael, and Rufus Michael. During the investigation, police recovered a red Lexus RX 350, a pump-action shotgun, a motorcycle, and cash. The verdict is viewed as a significant test of the new court's ability to provide timely justice for violent crimes.