Edo court sentences four to death over kidnapping, cultism, others - Vanguard News
An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City and dedicated to kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes on Tuesday sentenced three males and a female to death by hanging over kidnapping and membership of a secret cult.
The over three hours judgement was delivered by Justice T. A. Momodu on 11-count charges preferred against the convicts.
The four condemned criminals are Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
While delivering the judgment, Justice Momodu said the law left him with no discretion in imposing the prescribed sentences.
βMy hands are tied under the law. I wish I have the law permit me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,β the judge said.
The judge sentenced Isaac to seven years imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, 10 years imprisonment on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11.
Michael was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one and death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine.
Emete Michael received seven years imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, three, four, six and seven.
Raphael was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.
The case arose from the broad-daylight abduction of a woman on June 14, 2026, at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court came into being on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and expedite the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.
Justice Momodu also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits in the case.
The court directed that the exhibits be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State CID for destruction within 30 days.
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.
