OKPEBHOLO: I’LL EXECUTE FOUR EDO KIDNAPPERS IF THEY FAIL TO APPEAL DEATH SENTENCES

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said he is prepared to sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers if they do not appeal their sentences within the stipulated period.

The governor spoke on Saturday during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he discussed his administration’s response to kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.

The four defendants were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

Okpebholo said the attack prompted him to demand swift action from the police. He recalled contacting President Bola Tinubu before directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were arrested.

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment,” he said.

The governor also claimed that an appeal would only delay their punishment. However, any appeal would require judicial consideration; its outcome cannot be determined in advance.

Okpebholo described insecurity as one of the major challenges he encountered on taking office, alongside the condition of roads.

He maintained that tackling violent crime remained a priority for his administration.

The report did not state whether the convicted defendants had filed appeals against their sentences.