An Edo State High Court in Benin City has sentenced three men and a woman to death by hanging for kidnapping and membership of a secret cult. Justice T. A. Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday after a hearing lasting more than three hours.
The four convicts, Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27, faced an 11-count charge that included kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy and cult membership.
The case is among the first to be heard in courts specially dedicated to kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. The courts were established about three months ago at the request of Governor Monday Okpebholo after a daylight kidnapping and robbery at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City. Chief Judge Justice Andrew Okungbowa assigned two courts to handle such offences.
Prosecutors called seven witnesses and tendered seven exhibits. Closed-circuit television footage played a central role in the investigation, helping police establish what happened during the market attack and leading to the suspects’ arrest.
In his remarks, Justice Momodu urged residents to install CCTV cameras in homes, shops, vehicles and business premises, describing security surveillance as no longer a luxury. He called on the Edo State Government to promote the technology through public enlightenment and, where possible, to install cameras in public places such as markets, parks and government institutions.
The judge also praised the Nigeria Police for the efficiency and diligence of its investigation into the Vegetable Market incident.
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