Four kidnappers sentenced to death in Edo

The Edo State Special Court for hearing of cultism and kidnapping related cases has sentenced four kidnappers to death by hanging or lethal injection.

The court heard the first case since it was established after Governor Monday Okpebholo approved death sentence for kidnappers.

Okpebholo also vowed to sign convicted kidnappers' death warrant and ensure they are publicly executed.

The demolition of houses belonging to suspected cultists and kidnappers by the Okpebholo's administration made many believed the Governor would execute the kidnappers as promised.

The convicts, Marvellous Isaac, aged 32, Wisdom Michael, aged 36, Rufus Emete Michael, aged 30, and Gift Raphael, aged 27, pleaded not guilty to the 11 count charges preferred against them.

They were arrested following the broad daylight abduction of one Oseghale Precious at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

Other victims that testified that they were abducted by the gang and paid ransom were Lawani Alex, Nosa Blessing, Idehen Owenaze.

Besides the N8m and jewelleries worth N15m collected from the vegetable market victim, other victims said they paid N12.4m and N5.5m.

The prosecution led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rolanf Otaru, closed its case after calling seven witnesses and tendered video evidences.

But the convicts did not call any witnesses opting to testify for themselves.

In his judgment, Justice Momodu said the prosecution proved the 11-count charge beyond reasonable doubt.

He said there was no objection to the exhibits tendered especially confessional statements of the convicts.

Justice Momodu held that the defence of forceful coercion to obtain statement was an after-thought.

He found the first defendant, Marvellous, guilty on all the count charges.

Marvellous was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one, 10 years imprisonment on count 10, life imprisonment on count 11 and was given the death sentence on count two to nine.

The second defendant, Wisdom Michael, bagged seven years imprisonment on count one and the death sentence on count two to nine.

He was discharged and acquitted on count 10 and 11.

Rufus Michael got seven years imprisonment on count one and the death sentence on count two to nine.

He was discharged and acquitted on count four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11.

The only female convict, Gift Raphael, was discharged and acquitted on count four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11.

She was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one and got death sentence on count two, four, six and eight.

Before delivering judgement, Justice Momodu said his hands were tied by the law, saying the defendants have rights of appeal.

Justice Momodu commended owners of the Close Circiut Television (CCTV) which captured the vegetable market kidnapping.

He encouraged residents of the State and the State Government to install CCTV in their homes and public places.