The Edo State High Court in Benin, presided over by Justice Aigbona Momodu, has sentenced four persons to death for kidnapping and cultism.

The court, a special division handling kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, ordered that the convicts be executed by hanging or lethal injection.

The convicts are Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27. They were arraigned on an 11-count charge to which they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution alleged that the four were involved in a series of kidnappings, including the broad-daylight abduction of Oseghale Precious on June 14 at Vegetable Market, Benin.

They were arrested three days after the incident, following which other alleged victims came forward to identify them and testify against them.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru, called seven witnesses. The defendants did not call any witnesses in their defence.

Delivering judgment, Justice Momodu said the defence did not object to the exhibits tendered by the prosecution, including the defendants’ confessional statements.

The judge found the four defendants guilty of various counts of kidnapping.

Isaac was convicted on all 11 counts. He was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one, 10 years on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11, while he was sentenced to death on counts two to nine.

Michael was discharged and acquitted on counts 10 and 11.

Rufus Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, three, six and seven. He was, however, discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, eight, nine, 10 and 11.

Raphael was discharged and acquitted on counts four, five, seven, nine, 10 and 11. She was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.

Reacting to the judgment, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Notary Public, Olayiwola Afolabi, cautioned the Edo State Government against taking steps to execute the convicts before they exhaust their right of appeal.

Afolabi urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to allow the convicts the 90-day period provided by law to appeal the judgment.

He said: “The Governor cannot order execution of the convicts. It is only when they fail to file an appeal within the required 90 days. I know the Attorney-General will not advise the Governor to carry out the execution when the 90 days have not expired.”

Another lawyer, Jude Okonkwo, commended Justice Momodu for what he described as a proper judgment and a commendable effort.