The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has sentenced four persons to death over their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City. Justice Aigbona Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in what was the court’s first completed kidnapping case.

The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27. They were prosecuted on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. The case followed the broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the popular market on June 14, 2026.

The incident attracted widespread attention after the woman was reportedly abducted while she was at the market with her husband and children. Earlier reports said armed men blocked the family’s vehicle before taking the woman away. The Edo State Police Command subsequently announced arrests in connection with the incident, including the arrest of Isaac and other suspects.

In his judgment, Justice Momodu sentenced each of the four defendants to seven years’ imprisonment on the first count. Isaac was additionally sentenced to death on counts two to nine, 10 years’ imprisonment on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11. Wisdom Michael received death sentences on counts two to nine, while Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael were sentenced to death on several other counts.

The judge said the applicable laws prescribed the punishments for the offences and left the court with no discretion to impose lesser sentences on the relevant counts. The court also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits, directing that they be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer for destruction within 30 days.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court was established with effect from July 1, 2026, following a move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping, cultism and related violent-crime cases. The court was specifically created to handle such cases and reduce delays in their trial. The case involving the four defendants was among the early matters taken before the specialised court.

The death sentences do not mean the four defendants have already been executed. As with criminal judgments subject to the applicable legal process, the defendants may pursue their legal rights, including an appeal where grounds exist. The judgment therefore represents the court’s decision at trial stage, while any further legal steps will determine what happens next in the case.