BENIN-CITY: An Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four people to death over their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market area along Airport Road in Benin City.

The convicts — three men and a woman — were identified as Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.

Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment following an 11-count case involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

The court handed down the verdict after finding the defendants guilty of offences connected to the abduction, which occurred at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City.

According to the report, the victim was at the market with her husband and children when armed men reportedly stormed the area and took her away.

A woman who said she witnessed the incident later described what she saw in a video that circulated online. She said the incident happened in her presence while she was shopping at the same market and that she helped save the victim’s children.

The incident was subsequently confirmed by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.

In the judgment, the court imposed death sentences on the four defendants on several counts, alongside additional prison terms for other offences.

Marvellous Isaac received a seven-year prison sentence on one count, death sentences on several other counts, a 10-year prison term on another count and life imprisonment on the 11th count.

Wisdom Michael was similarly sentenced to seven years on one count and death on several others.

Rufus Emete Michael received seven years on one count and death sentences on multiple counts.

Gift Raphael was sentenced to seven years on one count and death on several other counts.

The court also ordered the confiscation of a pump-action rifle, two unexpended cartridges and two expended cartridges recovered in connection with the case.

The firearms and ammunition were ordered to be handed over to the Edo State Police Command’s State Criminal Investigation Department for destruction.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court was established following a directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo to handle cases involving kidnapping and cultism in the state.

The latest judgment comes amid continued concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Edo State, with authorities seeking faster prosecution of suspects arrested over such offences.

The case has again drawn attention to security concerns around major commercial areas in Benin City, particularly locations where residents and traders gather daily.