SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a strong warning to kidnappers, declaring that he would personally sign the death warrants of convicted offenders, regardless of their relationship with him.
The governor, who vowed to go as far as supervising their executions, insisted that kidnapping had become too dangerous to tolerate, given the lives lost and the lasting trauma inflicted on victims and their families.
Okpebholo made the remarks in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday while speaking about his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity across Edo State.
According to him, nobody involved in kidnapping would receive preferential treatment, even if the suspect were a member of his immediate family.
“I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it,” the governor declared.
He argued that kidnappers had caused the deaths of innocent citizens and should face the full consequences of their actions. He also pointed to the psychological and physical suffering experienced by victims, stressing that the damage caused by abduction goes beyond the crime itself.
The governor cited an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an abduction attempt, noting that the fear and shock alone could have resulted in her death. He also referred to an attack on Edo State’s chief judge, claiming that the judicial officer sustained serious injuries and lost the use of one hand during an encounter involving kidnappers.
Beyond the public warning, Okpebholo disclosed that he had contacted the state attorney-general to establish the status of documents required for the execution of convicted kidnappers.
He maintained that his administration would continue pursuing such cases through the appeal process rather than allow offenders to escape justice.
“I stand; if I see this paper today, now, I will sign it, and I will even supervise the killing,” he said.
What the Law Says
Okpebholo’s declaration comes against the backdrop of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which was passed by the State House of Assembly and signed by the governor in February 2025.
The law prescribes life imprisonment for kidnappers whose victims survive, while offenders whose abductions result in the victim’s death face the death penalty. It also provides punishments for individuals who assist or encourage kidnapping activities.
In September 2026, four men—Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael—were sentenced to death by a special criminal court over the abduction of a woman at Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The case represents the state’s increasingly aggressive approach to prosecuting kidnapping offenses.
A Tough Stance, But Justice Must Follow Due Process
The governor’s comments reflect the growing frustration over kidnapping and the demand for stronger government action to protect citizens. However, the effectiveness of Edo’s tough anti-kidnapping policy will ultimately depend not only on the severity of its punishments but also on credible investigations, fair trials, and respect for the right to appeal.
While a firm response to kidnapping is necessary, the government must ensure that every conviction is supported by credible evidence and that any execution follows the law and due process.
For residents, the bigger question remains whether these strong declarations will translate into safer communities, fewer abductions, and lasting security across Edo State.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
