Edo to establish special court for kidnappers, cultists
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of suspected kidnappers and cultists in the state.
The governor said anyone convicted by the court would face the full weight of the law, including execution where applicable.
Okpebholo spoke on Thursday in Benin during the parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists arrested by the Edo State Police Command.
He warned residents against engaging in kidnapping and cult-related activities, saying such crimes would only lead to the loss of lives and property.
The governor said the proposed special court would become operational within the next few weeks to ensure speedy trial of suspects.
“We are setting up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. In the next two or three weeks, it should be ready,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, said the command arrested 13 suspects linked to kidnapping and cultism, including members of a gang that abducted a woman at a popular vegetable market in Benin on June 14.
He said one suspect, identified as Marvelous Isaac, 32, was arrested, while two others escaped and another suspect, identified simply as Precious, was killed during a gun battle with police.
