An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced three men and a woman to death by hanging for kidnapping and membership of a secret cult.
Justice T. A. Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday after more than three hours of proceedings. The case followed an 11-count charge against the four convicts, who were identified as Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27.
The defendants were prosecuted in connection with a daylight kidnapping and robbery at the popular Vegetable Market, off Airport Road in Benin City. The incident came amid efforts by the state to strengthen the prosecution of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
Following a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Andrew Okungbowa, had dedicated two courts to handle such cases. The courts were established about three months ago, with suspects arrested over the Vegetable Market incident among the first defendants to be arraigned.
During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses and presented seven exhibits to support charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy and membership of a secret cult.
The court also highlighted the role of closed-circuit television, CCTV, footage in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Justice Momodu said the surveillance footage helped the police detect and establish what happened during the incident.
The judge urged residents to install CCTV cameras in their homes, shops, vehicles and business premises, stressing that surveillance technology had become an important part of security.
Justice Momodu also called on the Edo State Government to encourage wider adoption of CCTV through public awareness and, where possible, provide surveillance cameras in public places, including markets, parks and government institutions.
He commended the Nigeria Police for what he described as its efficiency, diligence and prompt investigation, which he said contributed to the arrest of the defendants linked to the Vegetable Market kidnapping case.
SOURCE: VANGUARD
