By Kingsley Ohens Urbanscoopnews 

Hon. Haruna Braimoh, Special Adviser on Public Affairs and Media to the Edo State Governor, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as his administration’s determined efforts to strengthen the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in Edo State.

Braimoh spoke following the maiden judgment of the Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City, which sentenced four convicted persons to death by hanging over the kidnapping case arising from the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, marked the first verdict of the Special Criminal Court, established by the Edo State Government to facilitate the speedy prosecution and determination of serious criminal cases, particularly those involving kidnapping and cult-related offences.

The four convicts — Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — were tried on an 11-count charge involving kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

Reacting to the development, Braimoh described the judgment as a significant milestone in Edo State’s criminal justice process, noting that it underscored the importance of ensuring that serious criminal cases are prosecuted and determined within a reasonable period.

According to him, while the judiciary must remain independent and guided strictly by the law and evidence presented before it, a justice system capable of determining serious criminal matters without unnecessary delays is essential to strengthening public confidence in the rule of law.

Braimoh particularly commended Governor Okpebholo for recognising the need for a specialised judicial mechanism to address kidnapping and cult-related offences, noting that the establishment of the Special Criminal Court reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutional response to violent crime.

He said the maiden judgment provides an early indication of the role the specialised court can play in reducing delays in the determination of serious criminal matters and ensuring that cases move through the justice system in a timely and lawful manner.

The case followed the June 14, 2026 abduction of Precious Oseghale at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. The victim was reportedly abducted in broad daylight and subsequently released, while police investigations led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of items allegedly connected to the operation.

Braimoh stressed that the fight against kidnapping must go beyond security operations to encompass effective investigation, evidence-based prosecution and timely adjudication.

“The courts must remain independent and guided strictly by the law and evidence before them,” he said, adding that the effective administration of justice requires both accountability for proven crimes and respect for the fair-hearing rights guaranteed by law.

He also commended the judiciary, law-enforcement agencies, prosecutors and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to bringing the case to judgment.

According to Braimoh, the outcome should encourage continued investment in professional investigations, evidence-based prosecution and judicial capacity, while ensuring that every accused person receives a fair hearing in accordance with the law.

He said the people of Edo State deserve a society where citizens can go about their legitimate activities without fear of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Braimoh therefore urged relevant government agencies and security institutions to sustain lawful, coordinated and professional action aimed at protecting residents and strengthening the state’s overall response to violent crime.

He described the maiden judgment of the Special Criminal Court as an important moment in Edo State’s continuing efforts to strengthen both security and the administration of criminal justice, while commending Governor Okpebholo for initiating measures aimed at improving the institutional response to serious crimes.