Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to enforce the death sentence imposed on four convicted kidnappers linked to the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City if they fail to appeal within the time allowed by law.
The governor, however, said an appeal would only delay the process, insisting that his administration remained determined to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
Okpebholo made the remarks during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he spoke about his administration’s security efforts and the challenges he encountered upon assuming office.
He described insecurity as one of the major problems confronting Edo State when he took over as governor, adding that he had sought President Bola Tinubu’s support in addressing security concerns and the poor state of roads.
According to him, the President gave him the go-ahead to tackle the challenges, including the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the state.
Recalling the abduction at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, Okpebholo said he contacted the President before directing the police to arrest those responsible.
“I called the Commissioner of Police and told him I wanted these guys arrested, because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” the governor said.
He added that the four defendants had already been sentenced to death and expressed the hope that they would not appeal the judgment.
“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within the days stipulated, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
An Edo State Special Criminal Court reportedly sentenced the four defendants to death on September 29, 2026, over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market on Airport Road in Benin City.
The governor also disclosed that, before launching his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism, he met with prominent traditional rulers across Edo State and warned against intervening on behalf of individuals involved in such crimes.
Okpebholo further recounted what he described as unusual incidents associated with spiritual forces following the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group.
He claimed that a black bird died in his office after the demolition, while a vulture died in his bed during his governorship campaign.
Meanwhile, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged church members to support Okpebholo and his preferred candidates in the 2027 elections.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, the cleric encouraged Christians to combine prayers for political leaders with active participation in the electoral process, urging them to turn out in large numbers to vote.
Umuahia described the governor as a humble individual whose religious commitment predated his emergence as governor, adding that he had known Okpebholo for more than 15 years.
He recalled meeting the governor through the late Chief Tony Anenih, whom Okpebholo reportedly accompanied during visits to the cleric.
