Daud Olatunji
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to sign the death warrants of four men convicted of kidnapping a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, if they fail to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30 days.
The governor, however, said the convicts could still challenge their sentences through the appropriate legal process, adding that an appeal would only delay the execution of the sentences.
Okpebholo made the remarks during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, where he reviewed his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The four defendants were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, over the abduction of a woman at the market.
Speaking at the religious gathering, the governor expressed hope that the convicts would not appeal the judgment, suggesting that he was prepared to act if the stipulated period elapsed without an appeal.
“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 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he said.
The governor’s statement comes amid concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes, which he described as among the major security challenges confronting his administration when he assumed office.
He said he had discussed insecurity and the condition of roads in the state with President Bola Tinubu during a meeting, adding that he was determined to confront criminal activities.
Recounting the abduction at the Vegetable Market, Okpebholo said he contacted the President after the incident and was asked whether he could handle the situation.
According to him, he assured Tinubu that he could address the matter before seeking the intervention of the police authorities.
The governor claimed that he prayed for the kidnappers to be apprehended within 24 hours before calling the Commissioner of Police to demand their arrest.
“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” he said.
Okpebholo also disclosed that, before commencing his campaign against kidnapping and cultism, he met with prominent traditional rulers across Edo State and warned them against intervening on behalf of anyone involved in such crimes.
He said his administration would not tolerate efforts by influential individuals to protect people suspected of participating in kidnapping, cultism and other violent offences.
The governor further recounted what he described as unusual incidents associated with spiritual forces following the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group.
“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged Christians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, calling on them to support Okpebholo and his preferred candidates.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, the cleric said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by participation in the electoral process, urging members of the congregation to turn out in large numbers to vote.
Umuahia described the governor as a humble man with a longstanding commitment to religious devotion, claiming that his relationship with Okpebholo dated back more than 15 years, when the late Chief Tony Anenih was alive.
He said Okpebholo had maintained his devotion to God despite the demands of public office.
However, the governor’s threat to execute the convicts underscores the importance of ensuring that any capital punishment is carried out strictly in accordance with the law and after all applicable appeal procedures have been exhausted.
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