Okpebholo vows to sign death warrants of convicted kidnappers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced his intention to sign the death warrants for four kidnappers, who were recently sentenced to death by the state’s Special Criminal Court. However, the governor clarified that the death warrant will only be executed if the kidnappers do not appeal the verdict within a 30-day period.

During an address at the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Ekpoma, Okpebholo highlighted his administration’s commitment to combating kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities. The four individuals were convicted of abducting a woman from a vegetable market on Airport Road in Benin on September 29. The governor acknowledged insecurity as a primary concern when he took office and emphasized his decision to prioritize its resolution, even after discussing the issue with President Bola Tinubu, who had encouraged him to take action.

Okpebholo stated that the suspects had been sentenced to death and expressed optimism that they would not contest the decision. He concluded by reaffirming his willingness to execute the death warrants if the suspects fail to appeal within the stipulated timeframe.