The Special Criminal Court set up by the Edo State Government to try kidnappers and cultists has commenced sitting with the remand of three suspects in the correctional centre.
DAILY POST reports that the Chief Judge of the State Justice Daniel Okungbowa, constituted the special court in line with the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In its inaugural sitting, the court presided over by Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, remanded 42- year old Owen Osarumwense, 29-year old Austin Oshumogo and 28-year old Kingsley Matthias Aliu to the correctional centre.
The suspects were accused of alleged conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, armed robbery, raping and kidnapping.
The remand of the suspects followed a separate exparte applications filed by the Edo State Police Command, seeking to detain the suspects for an initial period of 14 days pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court therefore, in its ruling remanded a 42-year-old Owen Osarumwense and 29-year-old Austin Oshumogo.
The accused were brought before the court on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and armed robbery.
The police requested their remand while prosecutorial processes continue.
The court also remanded a 28-year-old Kingsley Matthias Aliu for alleged raping and kidnapping.
According to the Police, the suspect Kingsley Mathias Aliu allegedly lured a 29-year-old married woman into a bush, sexually assaulted her, tied her hands, and subsequently demanded a ransom of N12 million for her release.
Justice Momodu, however, adjourned the cases to July 15, 2026.
Earlier, in his inaugural speech, Justice Momodu urged all parties appearing before the court to handle their cases diligently in order to promote the smooth, efficient, and fair administration of justice.
The Special criminal court 1, commenced sitting on July 1,2026.
