- Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to approve the death penalty by hanging for convicted kidnappers and announced plans to establish a special court to fast-track kidnapping and cultism cases.
- The governor said criminals and their sponsors would find no hiding place in the state, insisting that anyone involved in crime would be identified and prosecuted.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that he is prepared to approve the death penalty by hanging for individuals convicted of kidnapping in Edo State as part of efforts to curb insecurity.
The governor made the statement while addressing the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects in Benin City.
According to Okpebholo, the state government plans to establish a special court dedicated to handling kidnapping and cultism-related cases to ensure speedy trials and justice.
“Now we are going to set a special court to try suspected kidnappers and cultists and decided within two, three weeks we are done with it, and I will sign it. The execution hang him. I will take you to the roundabout so that the whole Edo people will see you, and this I will not have any regrets about.”
The governor also warned criminal elements not to mistake his calm demeanor for weakness.
“Please don’t take my simplicity for granted.”
Speaking further, Okpebholo disclosed that security operatives recently responded to a kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, leading to the arrest of one suspect, while another was reportedly killed during the operation.
He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the incident.
The governor maintained that kidnappers, cultists, and their sponsors would have no safe haven in Edo State, stressing that anyone involved in criminal activities would be tracked down and brought to justice.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other security challenges affecting parts of the state.
In other news… Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has addressed concerns from fans following allegations made by Judy Austin’s ex-husband regarding access to his children.
Taking to X, the actor stated that he has never prevented anyone from seeing their children and insisted that the matter does not involve him.
According to Yul, some people are using his name for social media attention rather than addressing the issue directly with the appropriate person.
He wrote:
“Some of my fans have reached out to me, saying, ‘pls allow him to see his children’.
I have never stopped anybody from seeing his children.
In this era of social media, people prefer chasing clout and chasing social media money with my name, rather than doing the right thing.
Tell him to call his ex wife, if he wants to see or take his children, let them discuss it.
He has her number.
It has nothing to do with me.”
Yul’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding claims recently made by Judy Austin’s ex-husband, who publicly spoke about issues relating to his children.
The actor’s response has since sparked mixed reactions online, with social media users divided over the controversy and the public exchanges between the parties involved.
