Edo State Concludes Case Against Suspected Kidnappers in Special Court Trial

Edo State, Nigeria, has formally closed its case against four individuals accused of kidnapping. The trial is proceeding at a special court established by Governor Monday Okpebholo, specifically designed to handle kidnapping and cult-related offenses. The accused are facing a ten-count charge that encompasses alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and the unlawful possession of firearms.

The prosecution, led by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Prof. Roland Otaru, presented a total of seven witnesses. Five of these witnesses testified last Friday, with the remaining two appearing on Tuesday. The witnesses included victims of the alleged crimes and Investigative Police Officers (IPOs). One IPO, from the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team, presented video evidence of the suspects' interrogations and their written statements.

“

At the end of the trials the state would no longer experience kidnappings and cultism.

Key exhibits tendered and admitted as evidence by the court included a pump-action gun, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone, and a Lexus SUV. Notably, a voice note from one of the female suspects, Gift Raphael, detailing a conversation with the alleged gang leader and her boyfriend, Marvellous Isaac, was also presented. The defense counsel, Amaechi Onwuzor and Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, representing the first and second, and third and fourth defendants respectively, cross-examined the witnesses. They indicated their intention to address the court further in final written submissions.

Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu has adjourned the case to Friday, July 24, 2026, to allow the defendants to present their defense. Following the court session, Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, expressed the government's commitment to eradicating criminal activities. He highlighted the special court's role in addressing kidnapping and cultism, expressing confidence that such measures will lead to a reduction in these crimes within the state. Okoror clarified that the special court, established by the Chief Judge of Edo State, is a legitimate judicial body empowered to hear such cases.

“

It is actually a special court created by the Chief Judge of Edo State. It has the rights. They call it a special court. It’s not a customary court. It’s a court carved out by the Chief Judge to hear only kidnapping cases and court-r