Special Court for Kidnappers: Edo Closes Case Against Four Suspects ( See Their Names )

Edo Kidnapping Trial: Prosecution Closes Case Against Four Suspects, Defence to Open July 24

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has concluded its prosecution in the ongoing trial of four men accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms before the state’s Special Court for kidnapping and cult-related offences.

The prosecution closed its case after presenting seven witnesses, paving the way for the accused persons to begin their defence when the matter resumes on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The four defendants are standing trial over the alleged abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The accused persons were identified as Marvellous Isaac (32), Wisdom Michael (36), and Rufus, while details of the fourth defendant were not immediately available.

During the proceedings, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru, who led the prosecution, informed the court that the state had completed the presentation of its evidence.

Among the exhibits tendered before the court were video recordings of the suspects’ interrogation, their written statements, a pump-action gun, an Android Camon 20 mobile phone and a Lexus SUV, which prosecutors said were connected to the case.

Following the prosecution’s announcement, the trial judge, Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, adjourned the matter until July 24 for the defendants to open their defence.

Special court created for kidnapping and cult-related cases

Reacting after the court session, Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the special court was established to ensure faster handling of kidnapping and cultism cases in the state.

According to him, the court was created by the Chief Judge of Edo State and is dedicated to hearing only kidnapping and cult-related offences.

He said the initiative reflects the state government’s determination to strengthen the justice system and improve the prosecution of serious criminal cases.

Okpebholo vows tough action

Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier declared that his administration would take a firm stance against kidnapping and violent crimes, stating that anyone convicted by the Special Court would face the full weight of the law.

The governor also said he would sign the death warrant of any person sentenced to death in accordance with the law.

The establishment of the Special Court forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and cult-related violence across the state