The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has endorsed the death sentences handed down by the Edo State Special Court to three men and a woman convicted of kidnapping and related offences.
The four were arraigned on 11 counts that included conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms. Branch Chairman Omorodion Omoigui announced the association’s support at a press conference in Benin City on Wednesday.
Omoigui said the special court’s handling of the case showed that serious criminal matters can be concluded promptly without sacrificing due process. He urged other courts to adopt similar case-management practices, stressing that speed and fairness can coexist.
He credited cooperation among the state executive, judiciary, security agencies and other stakeholders for the outcome. “This matter demonstrates that speed and due process can coexist, and that serious criminal cases can be resolved efficiently while fully protecting the rights of all parties,” he said.
The NBA branch also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for sustained efforts against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. It described the establishment and support of the special court as an important step in strengthening Edo’s security and justice system, and called on the administration to maintain the initiative.
Omoigui further commended security agencies for their work on the Vegetable Market incident and noted the professionalism of both prosecution and defence counsel. He said the prosecution presented its case clearly while defence lawyers diligently protected the constitutional rights of the accused.
He called on the Edo State Judiciary to apply the same efficient practices more widely reducing unnecessary adjournments, ensuring prompt filing and service of processes, and proceeding with cases ready for hearing. “This is not a call for justice to be rushed. It is a call for justice to be delivered efficiently, fairly and without avoidable delay,” he said.
The association presented the case as evidence that coordinated action by stakeholders can enable the justice system to respond effectively to security challenges.
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