# Edo State kidnapping prosecutions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/edo-state-kidnapping-prosecutions
> Updated: 2026-09-29T19:54:06.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City, established in July 2026 to expedite the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism, delivered its first major verdict regarding a June 14 abduction of a woman at a vegetable market.

On September 29, the court convicted four individuals—Marvelous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Michael, and Gift Raphael—on multiple counts including conspiracy, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery. The prosecution utilized seven witnesses and 15 exhibits, including video footage of the crime. Justice Aigbona Jerry Momodu noted that despite the defendants' pleas of not guilty, they had previously provided confessional statements to the police. 

Following the convictions, the court handed down severe sentences, including death sentences for several defendants, as the judge stated that applicable laws left him with “no discretion to impose lesser penalties.”

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Edo State Special Criminal Court convicts four for kidnapping

The Edo State Special Criminal Court has convicted four people for kidnapping and armed robbery in Benin City, issuing death sentences as part of its first major verdict since its 2026 establishment.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edo-state-special-criminal-court-convicts-four-for-kidnapping

### 2026-09-27: Edo State Special Court to deliver first kidnapping verdict

The Edo State Special Criminal Court will deliver its first verdict on September 29 regarding a June kidnapping in Benin City, testing the new court's mandate to fast-track violent crime trials.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edo-state-special-court-to-deliver-first-kidnapping-verdict

---
Cite as: Edo State kidnapping prosecutions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/edo-state-kidnapping-prosecutions