Update: Edo Court Condemns Four To Death For Kidnapping

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The presiding judge of the Edo State Special Criminal Court, Justice Aigbona Momodu, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, sentenced four men to death for their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The judgment was delivered in the court’s maiden judgment in a kidnapping case.

The convicts faced 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

The case arose from the broad-daylight abduction of the woman on 14th June, 2026.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court came into being on 1st July, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and expedite the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.

The case dates back to June 14, when the woman was reportedly abducted in broad daylight while at the market with her husband and children.

According to reports, armed men arrived at the scene, attacked the vehicle in which her husband was waiting and allegedly whisked the woman away.

The incident sparked widespread concern, particularly because the alleged abduction occurred in a busy commercial area.

Following the incident, the Edo State Police Command launched an investigation that led to the arrest of four suspects.

Police said Marvellous Isaac was arrested on June 18 during an operation in which another alleged member of the group, identified as Precious, was killed.

Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael were subsequently arrested.

The police also reported recovering a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, cash and a motorcycle.