Kidnapping: Edo Special Court Delivers Maiden Judgment

The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City is delivering its first judgment in a kidnapping case involving four defendants.

Justice Aigbona Momodu is delivering judgment in the 11-count charge, which includes kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

The case stems from the alleged abduction of a woman on June 14, 2026, at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The incident occurred in broad daylight and led to the prosecution of the four defendants before the special court.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court began operations on July 1, 2026, with a mandate to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases.

The court was established following a directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo to speed up the prosecution of cases involving violent crimes.

The ongoing judgment represents the court’s first major ruling since its establishment.