Key takeaways

1. Governor Monday Okpebholo says he is prepared to sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers, even if they are members of his family.

2. He says kidnapping victims suffer serious physical and psychological trauma.

3. The Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, provides the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.

4. Four men were sentenced to death in September 2026 over the abduction of a woman in Benin City.

5. Okpebholo says he has contacted the state Attorney-General concerning the necessary execution documents.

6. The governor insists that his administration will pursue the cases through the appeal process.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s hardline position against kidnapping, declaring that he is prepared to sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers and personally supervise their executions.

The governor maintained that he would not make exceptions for relatives or anyone close to him, arguing that kidnapping has caused immense suffering and claimed innocent lives.

Okpebholo made the declaration in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday while discussing his government’s efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats across Edo State.

Okpebholo Says No One Will Be Spared

Explaining the position of his administration, Okpebholo said he would sign the necessary documents if members of his family were among those convicted of kidnapping.

He argued that removing criminal elements from society was necessary to protect innocent people and restore security.

The governor also questioned why kidnappers should escape severe punishment when their activities have resulted in the deaths and suffering of other people.

His remarks reflect the administration’s determination to pursue the punishment provided under the state’s kidnapping legislation, particularly in cases involving the death of victims.

Governor Highlights Trauma Suffered By Kidnapping Victims

Okpebholo also referred to the physical and psychological consequences of kidnapping, describing the fear and trauma experienced by victims during abduction attempts.

He recalled an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an attempted abduction, arguing that the frightening experience alone could have resulted in her death.

The governor further cited an alleged attack involving Edo State’s Chief Judge, claiming that the judicial officer sustained serious injuries during an encounter with kidnappers and lost the use of one hand.

By referring to these incidents, Okpebholo sought to explain why his administration considers kidnapping a serious security threat that requires strict enforcement of the law.

What Edo State’s Kidnapping Law Says About Punishment

The governor’s declaration comes against the background of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.

According to the supplied report, the Edo State House of Assembly passed the amendment in February 2025, after which Okpebholo signed it into law later that month.

Under the provisions described in the report, kidnappers whose victims survive the incident face life imprisonment, while those directly involved in abductions that lead to the death of victims face the death penalty.

The legislation also provides punishment for individuals who assist, support or encourage kidnapping activities.

These provisions form an important part of the legal background to the governor’s comments. His declaration should, however, be distinguished from the judicial process required before a convicted person can face execution.

Four Men Sentenced To Death Over Edo Kidnapping Case

The state’s enforcement efforts have also included the prosecution of kidnapping cases through a special criminal court established to speed up the trial of kidnapping and cultism offences.

In September 2026, four men were sentenced to death by a special criminal court in Edo State over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.

They were found guilty of the abduction, which occurred on June 14, 2026, alongside other related offences.

The convictions provide further context to the governor’s comments about pursuing cases involving convicted kidnappers. However, the supplied report does not state that the four men have been executed.

Governor Discusses Death-Warrant Documents And Appeal Proceedings

Okpebholo disclosed that he had contacted the Edo State Attorney-General to establish the status of the necessary documents relating to the execution of convicted kidnappers.

He said he was awaiting further action but insisted that his administration would continue to pursue the cases through the appeal process.

The governor had also previously declared that he would sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers who failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.

His latest comments indicate that he intends to maintain pressure on the relevant legal proceedings rather than allow the cases to be abandoned.

Nevertheless, the progress of each case remains subject to the applicable judicial and legal procedures.

Quote Section: What Okpebholo Said About Signing Death Warrants

During his remarks, the Edo State governor made several strong statements about his willingness to sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers.

On whether he would make an exception for members of his family, Okpebholo said:

“I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it. The truth is this: we just have to get some bad elements out of the system for the system to stand.

He also questioned why the punishment of kidnappers should be considered differently from the harm they inflict on their victims:

“Because somebody will die. But these people are the ones killing people. How many people have we killed?”

Describing the suffering of kidnapping victims, the governor said:

“Just look at the way they were pushing that woman down there. Supposing she died at that, because of fear, only fear. It’s enough for her to die. People have gone through trauma.

He also referred to the alleged attack involving the state’s Chief Judge:

“Even our Chief Judge, if you see our Chief Judge, one of his hands was cut off by kidnappers.”

Speaking about the appeal process and his administration’s determination to pursue the cases, Okpebholo added:

“But we still follow them up on the appeal. We won’t just let them go like that. So we will get to wherever they stop, we will take them from there. We will not spare anybody.

Reaffirming his position on the execution documents, the governor declared:

“I stand, if I see this paper today, now, I will sign it and I will even supervise the killing.”

Legal Process Remains Central To Edo’s Anti-Kidnapping Campaign

Okpebholo’s declaration underscores his administration’s stated determination to enforce Edo State’s kidnapping laws and pursue cases involving convicted offenders.

However, signing a death warrant and carrying out an execution are matters that must follow the applicable legal procedures. Convictions, appeals and the completion of the relevant legal requirements remain important stages in that process.

With the state having established a special criminal court to accelerate the handling of kidnapping and cultism cases, the administration’s next steps will depend on the progress of the relevant proceedings and the applicable requirements for enforcing sentences.

For now, the governor has made his position clear: his administration intends to pursue convicted kidnappers through the legal process and will not make exceptions based on family relationships.