Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, has asked Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of the state, to constitute a special court for the speedy hearing and determination of kidnapping and cultism-related cases.
Okpebholo on Thursday threatened to publicly execute convicted kidnappers and cultists as part of efforts to rid the state of violent crime.
The governor said his administration would set up a special court for the trial of suspected criminals and ensure public execution of convicted offenders to serve as a deterrent.
In a memo numbered SGA.710/T/40, dated June 19 and addressed to the Chief Judge, Umar Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said the governor is seeking the establishment of a special court to strengthen the state’s fight against cultism and kidnapping.
“I write at the instance of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to formally request Your Lordship to constitute a Special Court for the expeditious hearing and determination of cases relating to cultism and kidnapping in Edo State,” the memo reads.
Ikhilor said the request was driven by the governor’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and improving the administration of criminal justice in the state.
“This request is necessitated by His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to tackling and eradicating the menace of cultism and kidnapping in the State, as well as strengthening the administration of criminal justice in this regard,” he added.
The SSG said Okpebholo had recommended the nomination of three judges, or any number deemed fit by the Chief Judge, to constitute the special court.
