I Will Sign Your Death Warrant And Execute You Publicly, Gov Okpebholo Vows To Cultists, Kidnappers In Edo
“I will sign your execution. We will take you to the Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised as he launched major steps in the war against cultism, kidnapping and violent criminal gangs.
Okpebholo made the declaration on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, where he also rewarded officers who arrested a suspect linked to Sunday’s kidnapping at the Vegetable Market.
The Governor presented the sum of ₦10 million to the police operatives who apprehended the kidnap suspect.
Additionally, Okpebholo said he had formally written to the Chief Judge of Edo State requesting the constitution of a Special Court dedicated to the speedy hearing and determination of cultism and kidnapping cases.
The Special Court will focus specifically on cultism and kidnapping offences, potentially accelerating trials and reducing delays that have often frustrated victims and law enforcement agencies alike.
The letter, dated June 19, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., states that the request is aimed at ensuring the expeditious trial of offenders while strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Edo State.
He appealed to Edo residents to steer clear of criminal activity, saying it is cheaper to live within one’s means than to gamble one’s life on crime.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo said he acted swiftly after the Sunday incident, immediately directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators were caught.
One suspect was subsequently arrested, one was neutralised during the operation, and two others remain at large.
“They will never find peace in Edo. The message to all criminals is that they will not go free after committing a crime in this state. You will be arrested. We are ready for you and your sponsors. We are working day and night to make sure this land is safe,” he said.
The Fovernor also pushed back against criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of security, arguing that the results being recorded on the ground are evidence that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is funding security operatives effectively.
“I wonder why people keep complaining that the President is not working. The President is funding the security operatives to function well. That is why we are happy about the results we are getting today,” Okpebholo said.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to track down the remaining members of the kidnap gang.
Items recovered from the arrested suspect include a red Lexus RX 350 with registration number EKP 848 AE, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and cash totalling ₦2,250,000, suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Agbonika expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for his continued support of the command and to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for his guidance, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
