‘Even If My Father Is Convicted of Kidnapping, I Will Sign His Death Warrant’ — Edo Governor Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he would sign the death warrant of anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state, insisting that even family relationships would not prevent him from approving their execution.

The governor made the declaration in a video shared by TheCable, where he maintained that convicted kidnappers must face the full consequences of their crimes, regardless of their relationship with him.

“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 said.

He further declared his willingness to personally supervise the execution of convicted kidnappers.

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

Defending his hardline position, the governor highlighted the psychological and physical trauma suffered by kidnapping victims, citing an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an abduction attempt.

“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 said.

Okpebholo also alleged that the state’s Chief Judge sustained serious injuries during an encounter with kidnappers, claiming that one of his hands was cut off.

The governor disclosed that he had contacted the state Attorney-General to ascertain the status of the necessary documents relating to the execution of convicted kidnappers.

He also vowed to pursue the cases through the appeal process, insisting that the government would not allow convicted offenders to escape punishment.

“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,” he said.

The governor’s declaration comes against the backdrop of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which prescribes the death penalty for certain kidnapping offences.

His remarks have placed renewed attention on the state’s use of capital punishment as a deterrent against kidnapping and the legal procedures required before any execution can be carried out.