By Rasheed Lateef
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday unveiled plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of kidnapping and cult-related cases as part of efforts to curb violent crime across the state.
The governor disclosed this at the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command in Benin City during the parade of a suspect arrested in connection with the recent abduction at the Vegetable Market along Airport Rd axis of the state capital.
Okpebholo said his administration would intensify legal and security measures against criminal gangs, insisting that kidnappers and cultists would face swift prosecution under the proposed arrangement.
Addressing the suspect and other criminal elements, the governor warned that the state government would not tolerate activities that threaten public safety and security.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution. We will take you to Ring Road roundabout so that Edo people can watch. I will have no regret about it. Don’t take my simplicity for granted,” he said.
The governor revealed that he directed security agencies to immediately track down those responsible for the kidnapping incident reported on Sunday, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
According to him, security operatives neutralised one member of the gang during the operation, while efforts have continued to apprehend other suspects linked to the crime.
Okpebholo maintained that his administration would sustain pressure on criminal networks operating in the state and vowed that those involved in kidnapping would have no hiding place.
He also defended the Federal Government’s security efforts, stating that improved support for security agencies was yielding positive results across the country.
As part of efforts to motivate security personnel, the governor presented a cash reward of N10 million to the police officers involved in the operation that led to the arrest of the suspect.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said investigations into the case were ongoing, adding that operatives had intensified efforts to arrest other members of the gang.
Agbonika disclosed that exhibits recovered during the operation included a Lexus RX 350 vehicle, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and N2.25 million suspected to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The police commissioner commended the governor for supporting security operations in the state and appealed to residents to continue providing useful information that could assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime.
The latest development comes amid intensified anti-kidnapping operations by security agencies across Edo State following a series of arrests and crackdowns on suspected criminal hideouts in recent months.
