Gov Okpebholo Interrogates Kidnapping Suspects, Says Edo Govt To Establish Special Court For Kidnappers, Cultists

by Idahosa Musa

EDO State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday disclosed plans by his administration to establish a special court for the speedy trial of suspected kidnappers and cultists as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against violent crimes and insecurity in the state.

The governor made the disclosure at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City after personally interrogating suspected kidnappers arrested in connection with the recent abduction of a woman in the state capital.

Okpebholo said the legal framework for the proposed special court was already being put in place and would be concluded within the next two to three weeks, paving the way for the accelerated prosecution of criminal suspects.

Speaking during the visit, the governor declared that his administration would no longer tolerate kidnapping, cult-related violence and other criminal activities, warning perpetrators that severe consequences awaited anyone found guilty of such offences.

He stated that the establishment of the court would ensure that cases involving kidnappers and cultists were handled expeditiously, thereby serving as a strong deterrent to criminal elements operating within the state.

The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to rid Edo State of kidnapping, insisting that no criminal would be allowed to find refuge within its borders.

He stressed that security agencies had been directed to relentlessly pursue and apprehend those involved in criminal activities.

According to him, the arrest of the suspects was evidence of the government’s commitment to combating insecurity.

He disclosed that immediately a kidnapping incident was reported on Sunday, he directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those responsible were tracked down and arrested.

Okpebholo commended officers and men of the Edo State Police Command for their swift response, noting that the suspects were apprehended within 24 hours despite the Commissioner of Police being out of the state when the incident occurred.

The governor also lauded the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and other security agencies for their collaboration, saying their coordinated operations were producing positive results in the ongoing war against crime and criminality.

He further revealed that money suspected to be proceeds from the criminal operation was recovered during the operation, while one of the suspects reportedly died during a gun battle with security operatives.

Dismissing claims that government was not doing enough to address insecurity, Okpebholo maintained that the support being provided to security agencies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was yielding tangible results across the country.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to safeguard lives and property, stressing that criminals would have no place to hide in Edo State.