Edo Court Sentences Four Kidnappers to Death by Hanging in Benin City

BENIN CITY — The Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four men convicted of kidnapping to death by hanging.

The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by Justice Terry Momodu Aigbona in Benin City.

The presiding judge convicted Isaac Marvelous, identified as the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, on all 11 counts brought against him and sentenced him to death.

Justice Aigbona, who reportedly broke down in tears while delivering the judgment, said the convicts should be executed by hanging or through the administration of lethal injection.

The other three convicts were identified as Gift Raphael, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.

The court also handed down various prison sentences to the defendants in addition to the death sentences.

It further ordered that firearms recovered from the convicts and tendered as exhibits be handed over to the Federal Government.

The judgment marks a major development in the prosecution of the kidnapping syndicate, although the source report did not provide further details about the offences or the specific prison terms imposed on the defendants.