Edo Governor vows to sign death warrants for kidnappers
Governor Monday Okpebholo stated he would sign execution orders for convicted kidnappers, even if they were family.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared he will sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers, stating he would even sign his father's warrant if found guilty. The governor made this vow amid efforts to enforce the state's law which mandates the death penalty for kidnapping offences that result in the victim's death.
Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to removing "bad elements" from society, citing the trauma inflicted on victims and the severe injuries sustained by some, including the state's Chief Judge who lost the use of one hand. He confirmed he has instructed the state Attorney-General to expedite relevant documents for the executions.
The Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, signed by Okpebholo in February 2025, prescribes life imprisonment for kidnappings where victims survive and capital punishment for those resulting in death. In September 2026, four men were sentenced to death for a kidnapping in Benin City.
Why it mattersThe governor's strong stance on capital punishment for kidnappers directly impacts the lives of those convicted and their families.