The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended the Edo State Special Criminal Court for sentencing four persons, comprising three men and a woman, to death over kidnapping and other criminal offences
The judgment, delivered by Justice Aigbona Momodu, followed the trial of the defendants on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case stemmed from the abduction of a woman at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026. The victim was reportedly at the market with her husband and children when gunmen stormed the area and whisked her away.
The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
Reacting to the judgment at a press conference on Wednesday, September 30, the Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, Omorodion Omoigui, said the court had demonstrated that justice could be delivered swiftly without compromising due process or the constitutional rights of defendants.
Omoigui described the case as an example of effective judicial administration, noting that serious criminal matters could be resolved within a reasonable timeframe when the relevant institutions worked together.
He said, “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.”
The NBA chairman also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for supporting the establishment of the Special Court, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the state’s security and justice system.
He further acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, prosecution and defence counsel, particularly their professionalism and commitment throughout the proceedings.
According to him, the prosecution presented its case effectively, while defence counsel fulfilled their responsibility to protect the constitutional rights of the accused persons.
Omoigui urged the Edo State Judiciary to adopt similar case-management practices across other courts, calling for fewer unnecessary adjournments, timely filing and service of court processes, and the prompt hearing of cases ready for determination.
He clarified that the call for faster proceedings was not an attempt to rush justice but to ensure that cases were handled fairly, efficiently and without avoidable delays.
The NBA maintained that the outcome of the case demonstrated the importance of cooperation among the judiciary, executive, security agencies and legal practitioners in addressing violent crimes and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
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