From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City is set to deliver its first judgment in a kidnapping case on September 29, 2026, arising from the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.
The woman was abducted in broad daylight on June 14 by gunmen who reportedly used an SUV. The incident prompted a police investigation that led to the arrest of several suspects.
The Special Criminal Court was established in July 2026 following a directive by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to the judiciary to accelerate the trial of kidnapping and cultism cases.
During a visit to the Edo State Police Command headquarters after the suspects were paraded, the governor said anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law. He also stated that he would sign death warrants where such punishment was prescribed under existing legislation.
One of the suspects, 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac, was arrested on June 18 during a gun duel with operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team. Another alleged gang member, identified as Precious, was killed during the operation.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Gift Raphael, 27, as well as Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.
The abducted woman was released unharmed two days after the incident.
According to the police, investigators later traced a red Lexus RX 350 allegedly used in the abduction. A pump-action shotgun with live ammunition, a motorcycle and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime were also recovered.
The September 29 judgment will be closely watched as the first major test of the Edo State Special Criminal Court’s ability to conclude kidnapping cases swiftly and deliver timely judgments in cases involving violent crime and alleged ransom-related abductions.
