Edo State Special Criminal Court convicts four for kidnapping

The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has convicted four individuals for kidnapping and armed robbery, marking the court’s first major verdict since its establishment in July 2026. The defendants—Marvelous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Michael, and Gift Raphael—were found guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery.

The case stemmed from the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road on June 14, 2026. During the trial, the prosecution presented seven witnesses and 15 exhibits, including video footage of the kidnapping and firearms. Justice Aigbona Jerry Momodu noted that while the defendants pleaded not guilty, they had previously made confessional statements to the police.

Following the convictions, the court handed down severe sentences. Justice Momodu stated that the applicable laws left him with no discretion to impose lesser penalties. The sentences included various terms of imprisonment and death sentences for several of the defendants.