From Ebohon Joan
The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended the Edo State Special Court handling kidnapping and cult-related cases for the expeditious determination of a case that resulted in death sentences for four convicts.
The four convicts, comprising three men and a woman, were sentenced to death after being arraigned on 11 counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms, among other offences.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chairman of the Benin NBA Branch, Omorodion Omoigui, said the handling of the case demonstrated that criminal matters could be determined swiftly without compromising due process or the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Omoigui urged the Edo State Judiciary to adopt similar case-management practices in other matters before the courts, particularly by reducing unnecessary adjournments and ensuring that court processes are filed and served promptly.
“This matter demonstrates that speed and due process can coexist, and that serious criminal cases can be resolved efficiently while fully protecting the rights of all parties,” he said.
The NBA chairman attributed the progress recorded in the case partly to collaboration among the executive, judiciary, security agencies and other stakeholders.
He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as sustained efforts by his administration to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
“We recognise the establishment and support of the Special Court for offences of this nature as an important step toward strengthening the state’s security and justice architecture,” Omoigui said.
He urged the governor and his administration to sustain and strengthen the initiatives in the interest of Edo residents.
Omoigui also commended security agencies for their response and investigative efforts concerning the Vegetable Market incident, stressing the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
He praised the Special Court for its “expeditious handling and determination of the matter,” noting that the case showed that criminal proceedings could be concluded within a reasonable period without undermining the rights of defendants.
The branch chairman also commended both prosecution and defence counsel, members of the Lion Bar, for their professionalism and diligence during the proceedings.
According to him, while the prosecution presented its case with clarity and focus, the defence counsel diligently protected the constitutional rights of the accused persons.
Omoigui said the conduct of both sides reflected the professional standards expected of members of the legal profession.
He called on the Edo State Judiciary to extend effective case-management practices to other cases before the courts.
“Unnecessary adjournments should be reduced, processes should be filed and served promptly, and cases should proceed whenever they are ripe for hearing.
“This is not a call for justice to be rushed. It is a call for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly and without avoidable delay,” he said.
He added that the case demonstrated that when stakeholders performed their constitutional and professional responsibilities with commitment and cooperation, the justice system could respond effectively to security challenges confronting society.
