By George Omagbemi Sylvester
BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to approve the execution of anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state, declaring that even his own father would not be spared if found guilty.
The governor made the declaration in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, insisting that he would personally supervise the execution of convicted kidnappers.
“I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it,” Okpebholo said.
He added that his administration would not spare anyone found guilty of kidnapping, arguing that decisive action was necessary to address insecurity and protect residents.
“We will not spare anybody. If I see this paper today, now, I will sign it, and I will even supervise the killing,” he declared.
Explaining his position, the governor referred to the trauma suffered by kidnapping victims and an attack on Edo State’s Chief Judge, whom he said sustained serious injuries during an encounter with kidnappers.
Okpebholo also disclosed that he had contacted the state Attorney-General to establish the status of documents relating to the execution of convicted kidnappers. He said his administration would follow the cases through the appeal process.
His comments come after four men were sentenced to death in September 2026 by an Edo State Special Criminal Court over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City. The abduction reportedly occurred on June 14, 2026.
The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.
The Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, provides capital punishment for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims, while offences in which victims survive attract life imprisonment.
The governor’s remarks have renewed attention on the state’s use of capital punishment and the legal process required before any execution can take place.
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