Edo Court Sentences Four To Death Over Kidnapping And Armed Robbery

Benin City — Three men and a lady have been sentenced to death by hanging by the Edo State Special Criminal Court over their alleged involvement in kidnapping and other criminal offences linked to the Vegetable Market in Benin City.

The convicts; Marvelous Isaac (1st Defendant), Wisdom Michael (2nd Defendant), Rufus Emete Michael (3rd Defendant) and Gift Raphael (4th Defendant) were sentenced by Justice Aigbona Momodu after being found guilty on 11 counts charge against them.

The offences were connected to kidnapping activities and other criminal acts reportedly committed at the Vegetable Market area of Benin City.

The case is being described as the first public trial of kidnappers in the state, with the court proceedings and judgment expected by authorities to serve as a deterrent to kidnapping and other related crimes in Edo State.

The Sentence

“First defendant, in count one, you, Marvellous Isaac, are hereby sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
In count two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, you, Marvellous Isaac, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injunction. You shall be hanged by the neck till you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”

“Second defendant, in count one, you, Wisdom Michael, are hereby sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
In count two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine, you, Wisdom Michael, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection. You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”

“Third defendant, in count one, you, Rufus Emete Michael, are hereby sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
In count two, three, four, six, and seven, you, Rufus Emete Michael, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection.”
“You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”

“Fourth defendant: In count one, you, Gift Raphael, are hereby sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
In count two, four, six, and eight, you, Gift Raphael, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging or through the administration of a lethal injection. You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”

The death sentence marks a significant development in the state’s efforts to prosecute individuals convicted of kidnapping and other serious criminal offences.

Four convicts in the Edo State kidnapping case Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael were led away from court after judgment.