The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has sentenced four people to death for their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market, off Airport Road, Benin City.

Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in the court’s maiden judgment involving a kidnapping case. The four convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27. Info from Voxtrendy.net.

How the Kidnapping Happened

The case followed the June 14, 2026, broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the busy Vegetable Market along Airport Road.

According to reports, the victim was at the market with her husband and children when armed men allegedly approached and took her away. The incident attracted public attention after a video of the abduction circulated online. The police later confirmed the incident.

The four defendants were subsequently prosecuted on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses and presented evidence that included CCTV footage and the defendants’ statements. The prosecution was led by Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru.

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Court Hands Down Different Sentences

Justice Momodu imposed different sentences based on the charges for which each defendant was convicted.

Marvellous Isaac was sentenced to seven years on count one, death on counts two through nine, 10 years on count 10, and life imprisonment on count 11. He was also convicted of membership of the Eiye Confraternity.

Wisdom Michael received seven years on count one and death sentences on counts two through nine. He was discharged and acquitted on counts 10 and 11.

Rufus Emete Michael received seven years on count one and death sentences on counts two, three, four, six and seven. He was discharged and acquitted on the remaining applicable counts.

Gift Raphael, the only woman among the four, received seven years on count one and death sentences on counts two, four, six and eight. She was discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11 as applicable to the judgment.

The court also ordered the confiscation of a pump-action firearm, two live cartridges and two spent cartridges tendered as exhibits. The items were ordered to be handed over to the Edo State Police for destruction.

Court Urges Wider Use of CCTV

Following the judgment, Justice Momodu encouraged residents and business owners to install CCTV cameras in homes, shops, vehicles and other properties.

The judge said surveillance systems can assist security agencies with crime investigations. He also commended the police for their work in investigating the case and bringing the defendants before the court.

Special Court Begins Work on Kidnapping Cases

The Edo State Special Criminal Court came into being on July 1, 2026, following a directive from Governor Monday Okpebholo to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and speed up the prosecution of violent crimes in the state.

The four convicts still have the right to appeal the judgment. An appeal would allow a higher court to review the decision and determine whether the convictions or sentences should be changed or upheld.

The case therefore remains subject to the next stages of the legal process following the Special Criminal Court’s judgment.

 

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