Edo governor Okpebholo pledges to approve execution of convicted kidnappers

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers if they fail to appeal their sentences within 30 days.

According to PUNCH, the governor made the declaration on Friday during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry.

Okpebholo said tackling kidnapping, cultism and violent crime remained major priorities of his administration.

The four convicts were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, for abducting a woman at Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.

Speaking about their conviction, the governor said:

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time.”

He recalled discussing security challenges with President Bola Tinubu and directing police authorities to apprehend those responsible for the kidnapping.

Okpebholo also said he had warned traditional rulers against interfering in cases involving suspected kidnappers and cultists across Edo State.