By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has sentenced four persons to death by hanging or lethal injection for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, in the court’s maiden judgment since its establishment on July 1, 2026 to fast-track kidnapping and cultism cases.
The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.They were tried on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. The case was brought on after the broad-daylight abduction of a woman, identified as Precious Oseghale, at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City on June 14, 2026. She was reportedly at the market with her husband and children when the convicted gunmen seized her.
Justice Momodu, in his three-hour judgment, said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law permitted me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,” the judge said.
Marvellous Isaac was sentenced to 7 years on count one, death on counts two to nine, 10 years on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11. Wisdom Michael received 7 years on count one and death on counts two to nine. Rufus Emete Michael got 7 years on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six and seven. Gift Raphael got 7 years on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.
The court also ordered the confiscation and destruction of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits, directing that they be handed to the Edo State Police Armourer for destruction within 30 days.
