The four kidnappers who were recently given death sentences by the state’s Special Criminal Court will have their execution warrants signed by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
However, the governor threatened to sign the death warrant if the abductors did not file an appeal within 30 days.
At the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Ekpoma on Friday, Okpebholo made this statement while describing his administration’s efforts to combat kidnapping, cultism, and other illegal acts.
The criminals were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29 over the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin.
The governor said insecurity was a major concern when he assumed office, and he decided to prioritise tackling it after raising the issue with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to go ahead.
“When the kidnappers attacked the vegetable market area, I told the commissioner of police that I wanted them arrested without delay,” he said.
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The governor said the suspects had been sentenced to death and expressed hope that they would not appeal the judgment.
“If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he added.
Earlier this month, Monday Okpebholo, granted amnesty to at least 500 people who willingly renounced cultism in the state. On Monday, October 12, 2026, in Benin City, the young people renounced cultism.
Speaking during the ceremony hosted by the Edo State Special Security Squad, or ESSS, the governor threatened to prosecute anyone who reverted to cultism after rejecting it.
However, Okpebholo advised those who have not yet embraced the government’s proposal to do so right away.
He praised the repentant cultists for abandoning their previous practices and adopting the path of honour.
