BENIN CITY: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he will not hesitate to sign the execution warrants of convicted kidnappers, regardless of their family connections, insisting that anyone found guilty under the state’s anti-kidnapping law must face the consequences.
The governor made the declaration in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday, where he reiterated his administration’s determination to enforce the death penalty for kidnapping offences that result in the death of victims.
Emphasising his position, Okpebholo said even a close family relationship would not influence his decision if the person involved was convicted of the offence.
I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it, the governor said.
He argued that kidnapping has caused severe suffering, physical injuries and psychological trauma to victims, adding that decisive action was necessary to confront the menace.
According to him, the consequences of kidnapping extend beyond the actual abduction, as victims often experience extreme fear and trauma that can threaten their lives.
The governor cited an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an abduction attempt, questioning what could have happened if the fear and shock had resulted in her death.
He also referred to an attack involving the state’s Chief Judge, who he said sustained serious injuries, including losing the use of one hand, during an encounter with kidnappers.
Just look at the way they were pushing that woman down there. Supposing she died at that, because of fear, only fear. It’s enough for her to die. People have gone through trauma, Okpebholo said.
He maintained that the government would pursue the prosecution of convicted kidnappers through the appropriate legal channels, including appeals, rather than allow offenders to escape punishment.
The governor disclosed that he had contacted the state Attorney-General to establish the status of the relevant documents relating to convicted kidnappers awaiting execution.
He said he was waiting for further action but insisted that his administration would follow the cases through the judicial process.
“We won’t just let them go like that. So we will get to wherever they stop, we will take them from there. We will not spare anybody,” he stated.
Reaffirming his position, Okpebholo added that he was prepared to sign the execution documents immediately they were presented to him and personally supervise the executions.
I stand, if I see this paper today, now, I will sign it and I will even supervise the killing,” he declared.
Okpebholo’s latest declaration comes amid the implementation of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced capital punishment for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.
The Edo State House of Assembly passed the amendment in February 2025, and the governor subsequently signed it into law.
Under the amended legislation, kidnapping offences in which victims survive attract life imprisonment, while those convicted of abductions resulting in the death of victims face the death penalty.
The law also provides punishments for individuals who assist, encourage or provide support for kidnapping activities.
In September 2026, four men were sentenced to death by a special criminal court in Edo State over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.
They were found guilty of the abduction, which occurred on June 14, 2026, alongside other related offences.
Okpebholo had earlier announced that he would sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers who failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.
As part of the broader security strategy, his administration also established a special criminal court to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases.
The governor’s latest comments underline his administration’s hard-line approach to kidnapping, an offence that continues to raise serious security concerns across parts of the country.
However, the implementation of death sentences remains subject to the applicable legal procedures and the completion of the relevant judicial and appeal processes.
RapidoSpace News will continue to follow developments in Edo State’s anti-kidnapping campaign, including the prosecution of suspects and the implementation of the state’s amended criminal law.
