Edo State Government Closes Case Against Four Suspected Kidnappers
The Edo State Government on Tuesday closed its case in the trial of four suspected kidnappers after calling seven witnesses at a special court established by Governor Monday Okpebholo to handle kidnapping and cult-related cases.
The four suspects are standing trial over the alleged abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.
They face a 10-count charge bordering on alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants — Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 — are being prosecuted by the Edo State Government and the police.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Prof. Roland Otaru, led the prosecution in closing the case. He said five witnesses testified last Friday, while two others appeared on Tuesday.
The five witnesses were victims of the alleged crimes, while the remaining two were Investigating Police Officers (IPOs).
One of the IPOs from the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team, Zone 5 Annex, tendered video recordings of the suspects' interrogations and their written statements.
The officer also presented a voice note allegedly involving Gift Raphael, the only female suspect, during a conversation with the alleged gang leader, Marvellous Isaac, who was also said to be her boyfriend.
Other exhibits admitted by the court included a pump-action gun, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone, and a Lexus SUV.
The witnesses were cross-examined by Amaechi Onwuzor and Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, counsel to the first, second, third, and fourth defendants, respectively.
Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu adjourned the case to Friday, July 24, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.
Speaking after the proceedings, Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the prosecution had presented substantial evidence, including the firearm allegedly used by the accused.
Okoror described the special court as a legally constituted court established by the Chief Judge of Edo State to handle kidnapping and cult-related cases, adding that it reflects the government's commitment to tackling crime in the state.
"It is actually a special court created by the Chief Judge of Edo State. It has the rights. They call it a special court. It's not a customary court.
"It's a court carved out by the Chief Judge to hear only kidnapping cases and cult-related matters," he said.
Counsel to the first, second, and third defendants, Amaechi Onwuzor, who appeared on a pro bono basis, said his responsibility was to defend the suspects in accordance with the Constitution.
He added that the court would deliver its judgment based on the evidence presented during the trial.
The four suspects are standing trial over the alleged abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City.
They face a 10-count charge bordering on alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants — Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 — are being prosecuted by the Edo State Government and the police.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Prof. Roland Otaru, led the prosecution in closing the case. He said five witnesses testified last Friday, while two others appeared on Tuesday.
The five witnesses were victims of the alleged crimes, while the remaining two were Investigating Police Officers (IPOs).
One of the IPOs from the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team, Zone 5 Annex, tendered video recordings of the suspects' interrogations and their written statements.
The officer also presented a voice note allegedly involving Gift Raphael, the only female suspect, during a conversation with the alleged gang leader, Marvellous Isaac, who was also said to be her boyfriend.
Other exhibits admitted by the court included a pump-action gun, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone, and a Lexus SUV.
The witnesses were cross-examined by Amaechi Onwuzor and Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, counsel to the first, second, third, and fourth defendants, respectively.
Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu adjourned the case to Friday, July 24, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.
Speaking after the proceedings, Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the prosecution had presented substantial evidence, including the firearm allegedly used by the accused.
Okoror described the special court as a legally constituted court established by the Chief Judge of Edo State to handle kidnapping and cult-related cases, adding that it reflects the government's commitment to tackling crime in the state.
"It is actually a special court created by the Chief Judge of Edo State. It has the rights. They call it a special court. It's not a customary court.
"It's a court carved out by the Chief Judge to hear only kidnapping cases and cult-related matters," he said.
Counsel to the first, second, and third defendants, Amaechi Onwuzor, who appeared on a pro bono basis, said his responsibility was to defend the suspects in accordance with the Constitution.
He added that the court would deliver its judgment based on the evidence presented during the trial.
