Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to personally supervise the execution of convicted kidnappers, declaring that he would sign their death warrants regardless of whether those involved were members of his family.
The governor said he would not hesitate to approve the execution of anyone found guilty of kidnapping, insisting that his administration would not spare individuals responsible for the growing security challenges in the state.
Okpebholo made the declaration in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday while speaking about his government’s efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats across Edo State.
According to the governor, kidnapping has caused the deaths of several innocent people, leaving victims and their families with severe physical and psychological trauma.
He maintained that removing criminals from society was necessary to restore security and protect residents.
“I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it. The truth is this: we just have to get some bad elements out of the system for the system to stand,” the governor said.
He questioned why kidnappers should be spared punishment when their activities had resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens.
Okpebholo Recalls Victims’ Experiences, Chief Judge’s Attack
The Edo governor defended his position by highlighting the suffering experienced by kidnapping victims, including the fear, injuries and psychological trauma associated with abduction attempts.
He recalled an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an attempted abduction, arguing that the fear she experienced could have resulted in her death.
“Just look at the way they were pushing that woman down there. Supposing she died at that, because of fear, only fear. It’s enough for her to die. People have gone through trauma,” he said.
Okpebholo also referenced an attack involving the state’s Chief Judge, claiming that the judicial officer sustained serious injuries during an encounter with kidnappers and lost the use of one hand.
Governor Contacts Attorney-General Over Execution Documents
Okpebholo disclosed that he had contacted the Edo State Attorney-General to establish the status of the necessary documents relating to the execution of convicted kidnappers.
He said his administration was awaiting further action but would continue pursuing the cases through the appeal process.
The governor insisted that anyone convicted of kidnapping would face the consequences of their actions, adding that his government would not allow offenders to escape punishment.
“But we still follow them up on the appeal. We won’t just let them go like that. So we will get to wherever they stop, we will take them from there. We will not spare anybody.
“I stand, if I see this paper today, now, I will sign it and I will even supervise the killing,” he added.
Edo Kidnapping Law Prescribes Death Penalty for Fatal Abductions
The governor’s declaration comes amid the implementation of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.
The Edo State House of Assembly passed the amendment in February 2025, and Okpebholo subsequently signed it into law.
Under the legislation, kidnappers whose victims survive the incident face life imprisonment, while those directly involved in abductions that result in the death of victims are liable to the death penalty.
The law also provides punishments for individuals who assist, support or encourage kidnapping activities.
Four Kidnappers Sentenced to Death in Edo
In September 2026, four men were sentenced to death by a special criminal court in Edo State over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.
They were found guilty of the abduction, which occurred on June 14, 2026, alongside other related offences.
Okpebholo had previously vowed to sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers who failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period.
As part of his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity, the governor also established a special criminal court to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases across the state.
His latest declaration reinforces his administration’s hardline position on kidnapping as Edo State continues its efforts to address insecurity and protect residents from criminal activities.