Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to sign the death warrants of four convicts sentenced to death for the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City if they fail to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30 days.
The governor gave the assurance while speaking during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he reviewed his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes across Edo State.
Okpebholo said insecurity was among the major challenges confronting the state when he assumed office, adding that he had raised concerns about the security situation and the condition of roads in Edo with President Bola Tinubu.
According to the governor, he contacted the President when gunmen struck at the Vegetable Market on Airport Road in Benin City.
He said Tinubu asked whether he could handle the situation, to which he responded affirmatively.
The governor added that he prayed for the kidnappers to be apprehended within 24 hours before contacting the Commissioner of Police to demand their arrest.
“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” Okpebholo said.
Okpebholo Hopes Convicts Will Not Appeal
The governor disclosed that the four defendants had been sentenced to death, expressing the hope that they would not appeal the court’s decision.
“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. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
An Edo State Special Criminal Court reportedly sentenced the four defendants to death on September 29, 2026, over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The governor’s comments underscore his administration’s stated commitment to confronting kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
Governor Warns Traditional Rulers Against Intervening for Criminal Suspects
Okpebholo also disclosed that he met with prominent traditional rulers across Edo State before launching his campaign against kidnapping and cultism.
According to him, the meetings were intended to warn traditional rulers against intervening on behalf of anyone involved in such criminal activities.
He said his administration was determined to ensure that efforts to tackle insecurity were not undermined by appeals for leniency on behalf of individuals accused or convicted of violent crimes.
The governor’s remarks come amid his administration’s efforts to strengthen security and address public concerns over kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo State.
Legal context: The governor’s stated intention to sign the death warrants is distinct from the judicial process. Any appeal, applicable legal procedures and the requirements for carrying out a death sentence remain matters governed by the law.
