Edo prosecution closes case against four alleged kidnappers as defence opens Friday

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Edo State Government has concluded its prosecution in the trial of four individuals accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related offences, and unlawful possession of firearms before a special court designated to hear kidnapping and cultism cases in the state.

The defendants — Marvellous Isaac, 32, Wisdom Michael, 36, Rufus Emete Michael, 30, and Gift Raphael, 27 — are facing a 10-count charge arising from the alleged abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.

During proceedings on Tuesday, the prosecution, led by the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Roland Otaru, formally closed its case after presenting seven witnesses before the court. Five of the witnesses were victims of the alleged crimes, while the remaining two were Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) involved in the investigation.

One of the police investigators attached to the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Zone 5 Annex, tendered several exhibits before the court, including video recordings of the suspects’ interrogations, written confessional statements, and a voice recording allegedly involving one of the defendants, Gift Raphael, during a conversation with the alleged gang leader, Marvellous Isaac.

Other exhibits admitted into evidence included a pump-action firearm, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone, and a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), which the prosecution linked to the alleged offences.

Counsel representing the defendants, Amaechi Onwuzor and Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, cross-examined the prosecution witnesses before the prosecution announced the closure of its case.

Presiding Judge, Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, subsequently adjourned the matter until Friday, July 24, 2026, when the defendants are expected to begin presenting their defence.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, the Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, expressed confidence in the prosecution’s case, stating that substantial evidence had been placed before the court, including the firearm allegedly used in the commission of the offences.

Okoror explained that the court is a specially designated division of the Edo State High Court established by the Chief Judge to exclusively handle kidnapping and cult-related cases, describing the initiative as part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the administration of criminal justice and combat violent crime.

Counsel to the first, second, and third defendants, Amaechi Onwuzor, who said he was representing his clients on a pro bono basis, maintained that every accused person is entitled to legal representation under the Constitution. He noted that the court would ultimately determine the matter based on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

The trial continues on Friday with the commencement of the defence’s case.