Edo launches special court for kidnappers, cultists

By Jethro Ibileke

In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against violent crime, the Edo State Judiciary has established a Special Criminal Court to handle cases involving kidnapping, cultism and other related offences, marking a major step in the state’s efforts to accelerate the administration of criminal justice.

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, approved the establishment of the court following a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently vowed to intensify the crackdown on criminal elements terrorising residents.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, titled “Establishment and Composition of a Special Criminal Court for Edo State Sitting in Benin City”, dated June 25, 2026.

According to the statement, the new court, to be known as Special Criminal Court 1, will commence operations on July 1, 2026, and will sit in Benin City, the state capital.

The statement explained that the court was created specifically to hear cases bordering on cultism and kidnapping, as well as any other criminal matters that may be assigned to it by the Chief Judge.

It stated that the decision followed Governor Okpebholo’s formal request for a dedicated court to ensure the speedy prosecution of suspects arrested for kidnapping, cult-related violence and other serious crimes.

The move comes barely a week after the governor, while addressing journalists during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects by the Edo State Police Command, pledged to establish a special court to fast-track the trial of offenders and strengthen the state’s criminal justice system.

Following the announcement, the governor, through a letter dated June 19, 2026, formally requested the Chief Judge to constitute the special court.

The letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the request was driven by the administration’s determination to eradicate kidnapping and cult-related violence, which have continued to pose serious security challenges across the state.

It added that the establishment of the court would enhance the speedy dispensation of justice, improve public confidence in the judicial process and reinforce the government’s commitment to restoring law and order.

The government also requested the Chief Judge to nominate three judges, or such number of judges as he considers appropriate, to preside over cases before the special court.