Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to sign the death warrants of four kidnappers sentenced to death by a state court if they fail to appeal their convictions within 30 days.
Okpebholo made the declaration on Friday while speaking about his administration’s efforts to combat kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities in the state.
The governor spoke at the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Ekpoma, where he recalled how his government prioritised security after he assumed office.
According to him, insecurity was a major concern when he became governor, prompting him to discuss the situation with President Bola Tinubu, who encouraged him to take action.
Okpebholo said he had directed the state Commissioner of Police to ensure the immediate arrest of those responsible for a kidnapping incident at a vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The four suspects were subsequently sentenced to death by the Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29 over the abduction of a woman in the area.
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Speaking about the next step, the governor said he would sign their death warrants if they did not appeal the judgment within the stipulated period.
“If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute,” Okpebholo said.
He expressed hope that the convicts would not challenge the court’s decision, reiterating his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity across Edo State.
