Edo State government closes case against suspected kidnappers

The Edo State Government on Tuesday closed its case in the trial of four individuals accused of kidnapping at a special court designated for such offenses.

The prosecution presented a total of seven witnesses. The four suspects are on trial for the abduction of a woman at a vegetable market in Benin City. They face a 10-count charge encompassing alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

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the state government has investigated the case and tendered a lot of documents which include the gun used by the accused.

The suspects, identified as Marvellous Isaac, 32, Wisdom Michael, 36, Rufus Emete Michael, 30, and Gift Raphael, 27, are being prosecuted by the state government and the police. The Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru, led the prosecution team. Evidence presented included video documents of suspect interrogations, written statements, a voice note from Gift Raphael, a pump-action gun, a mobile phone, and a Lexus SUV, all admitted as exhibits.

Defense counsel for the defendants cross-examined the witnesses. Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu adjourned the case to Friday, July 24, 2026, for the defendants to begin their defense. Stephen Okoror, Edo State Solicitor-General, stated that the government presented substantial evidence, including the weapon used by the accused. Barrister Amaechi Achi Onwuzor, representing the first three defendants pro bono, affirmed his commitment to defending his clients constitutionally.

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his duty was to defend the suspects in line with the constitution.