‘Even if it’s my father, I’ll sign his death warrant’ – Okpebholo on Kidnapping

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he will sign the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, regardless of their familial ties to him, if found guilty in court. Okpebholo expressed his stance in a video, emphasizing his commitment to enforcing the state's strict law against kidnapping, which mandates the death penalty for those convicted.

He stated that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant for anyone, including his father or close relatives, who are found guilty of the heinous crime. The governor's comments come as the Edo State government seeks to strengthen its efforts against kidnapping, announcing the implementation of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced capital punishment for kidnappings leading to death.