From Adesuwa Osas, Benin City
The Edo State Judiciary is expected to constitute a special court for the speedy trial of cases involving cultism and kidnapping across the state.
It was gathered that the Chief Judge of the state had received a formal request from Governor Monday Okpebholo, seeking the nomination of three judges — or any number the Chief Judge considers appropriate — to form the Special Court.
If approved, the proposed court will be mandated to hear and determine, on an accelerated basis, criminal cases relating to cultism and kidnapping across Edo State, in a bid to reduce delays in prosecution and strengthen criminal justice delivery.
The development follows Okpebholo’s recent public remarks on Thursday, during the parade of suspected kidnappers at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where he announced plans to set up a dedicated court to ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists,” he said.
The letter to the chief judge titled ‘Request for the constitution of a special court for offences relating to cultism and kidnapping’ signed by the Secretary to the Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, was stamped and acknowledged received on June 19, 2026 at the chief judge’s office.
If constituted, the special court would represent one of the most direct judicial interventions in recent years targeting kidnapping and cult-related crimes in Edo State.
