The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City has delivered its maiden judgment in a kidnapping case, handing down a death sentence and seven year prison terms in a landmark ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The case involved four defendants, 32 year old Marvellous Isaac, 36 year old Wisdom Michael, 30 year old Rufus Emete Michael and 27 year old Gift Raphael, who were prosecuted over the alleged kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026.
The victim was allegedly abducted in broad daylight by armed men who reportedly used an SUV in the operation. She was subsequently released unharmed, while investigations by the police led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of items allegedly connected to the crime.
How the Case Began
According to the prosecution’s case, the investigation intensified after the abduction, leading to the arrest of Marvellous Isaac on June 18, 2026, during an alleged gun duel with operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team.
Another suspected member of the alleged gang, identified as Precious, was reportedly killed during the operation.
Further investigations subsequently led to the arrest of Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Emete Michael. Police also recovered a red Lexus RX 350, allegedly used in the abduction, as well as a pump action shotgun with live ammunition, a motorcycle and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Earlier in the investigation, Isaac was reported to have allegedly told investigators that he received ₦1.5 million from ransom proceeds after the victim’s family reportedly paid about ₦8 million to secure her release. The allegation formed part of the investigation into the case.
Female Defendant’s Alleged Link to Suspect
During the court proceedings, details concerning the relationship between the defendants also emerged.
Gift Raphael was identified as the girlfriend of Marvellous Isaac, with evidence relating to communications between the two forming part of the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution called seven witnesses during the trial and presented several exhibits before the court, including the Lexus SUV, a pump action firearm, a mobile phone, video evidence and other materials allegedly connected to the kidnapping operation.
The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges and subsequently went through the full trial process, with both the prosecution and defence presenting their respective cases.
Court Delivers Landmark Verdict
After considering the evidence and submissions before it, the Edo State Special Criminal Court delivered its judgment on Tuesday.
In the judgment, the court imposed seven-year terms of imprisonment in respect of the applicable offences, while a death sentence was handed down for the capital offence.
The court further ordered that the death sentence be carried out by hanging or through lethal injection, as stated during the proceedings.
The judgment marks the maiden verdict of the Edo State Special Criminal Court, which was established specifically to accelerate the prosecution and determination of kidnapping and cultism related cases in the state.
A New Special Court for Kidnapping and Cultism Cases
The specialised court was established following a directive by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to strengthen the state’s judicial response to kidnapping and cultism.
The Chief Judge of Edo State subsequently established Special Criminal Court 1, effective July 1, 2026, to handle such cases.
The court’s maiden judgment is therefore significant in the state’s efforts to ensure that serious criminal cases move through the justice system more quickly after investigation and arrest.
The development also highlights the role of due process in determining criminal allegations, as the defendants were required to face trial and the prosecution was required to establish its case before judgment was delivered.
The September 29 ruling now brings the first kidnapping trial before the newly established Edo Special Criminal Court to a conclusion, with the court imposing both seven year custodial sentences and the death penalty in the landmark case.
MUK TV News will continue to monitor any further developments arising from the judgment, including subsequent legal proceedings or appeals by the convicted persons.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
