Edo moves to establish special court for kidnappers, cultists

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has unveiled plans to establish a special court for the speedy trial of suspected kidnappers and cultists, intensifying efforts by his administration to curb violent crimes and strengthen security across the State.

The governor disclosed this on Thursday during a visit to the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where he interrogated suspects arrested in connection with the recent abduction of a woman in the State Capital.

Governor Okpebholo said the legal framework for the proposed court was already being developed and could be concluded within the next two to three weeks.

“We are going to set up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. Within two to three weeks, we should be done with it,” the governor said.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at accelerating the prosecution of criminal suspects and sending a strong signal that Edo State would no longer tolerate kidnapping, cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

The governor maintained that kidnappers would have no safe haven in the State, warning that individuals involved in criminal activities would be identified, tracked and brought before the law.

According to him, the swift arrest of suspects linked to a recent kidnapping operation in Benin City reflects the commitment of his administration and security agencies towards addressing insecurity.

He disclosed that after receiving reports of the abduction on Sunday, he immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those responsible were apprehended.

Okpebholo commended the Edo State Police Command for what he described as a rapid response that led to the arrest of the suspects within 24 hours, despite the Commissioner of Police being outside the state at the time of the operation.

He also praised the efforts of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, noting that coordinated operations among security institutions were beginning to produce positive outcomes in the fight against crime.

The governor revealed that cash suspected to be proceeds from the criminal operation was recovered, while one of the suspects reportedly died during an exchange of gunfire with security operatives.

Dismissing criticisms that government efforts against insecurity were inadequate, Okpebholo argued that support being provided to security agencies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was yielding results across the country.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies to protect lives and property, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely in Edo State.