Edo Residents Await Verdict In Vegetable Market Kidnap Case

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

EDO , BENIN CITY – Residents of Edo State are eagerly awaiting the judgment in a high-profile kidnapping case stemming from the alleged abduction of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market, off Airport Road, Benin City.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court is expected to deliver its judgment today, September 29, 2026, in the case involving four defendants: Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael.

As early as 8 a.m., residents and other concerned citizens gathered around the Ring Road and Sapele Road axes as anticipation mounted over the court’s decision.

Security personnel were also visibly deployed around the court premises.

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.

The prosecution subsequently filed a 10-count charge against the four defendants, bordering on allegations of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Seven prosecution witnesses testified before the prosecution closed its case in July.

Exhibits tendered before the court included a Lexus SUV, a pump-action firearm, mobile phones, video recordings and statements allegedly obtained from the defendants.

The defence, however, challenged the prosecution’s case, arguing that the evidence presented did not establish the alleged offences beyond reasonable doubt.

After final submissions were adopted, the court fixed September 29 for judgment.

The case has attracted considerable public interest in Benin City, particularly among traders and residents who have closely followed developments since the alleged abduction.

The judgment is also being closely watched as the maiden kidnapping judgment expected from Edo State’s Special Criminal Court, which was established to expedite the prosecution of kidnapping and cult-related cases.

The four defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court delivers its judgment and determines the charges against them.