Edo court sentences four to death over kidnapping, cultism

An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced three men and a woman to death by hanging over their involvement in kidnapping and membership of a secret cult.

The court, dedicated to handling kidnapping, cultism and other violent crime cases, delivered the judgment on Tuesday after more than three hours of proceedings.

Justice T. A. Momodu handed down the sentences on the four convicts — Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 — following their trial on 11 counts.

While delivering judgment, Justice Momodu said the law did not give him discretion in imposing the prescribed sentences.

“My 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,” the judge said.

Isaac was sentenced to seven years in prison 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 sentences on counts two, four, six and eight.

The case followed 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 was established on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.

In addition to the prison and death sentences, Justice Momodu ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits during the trial.

The judge directed that the exhibits be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State Criminal Investigation Department for destruction within 30 days.