Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has threatened to sign the death warrants of four men convicted of kidnapping in Benin City if they fail to appeal their sentences within 30 days.

The governor made the declaration while speaking at a fellowship programme organised by God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Benin City, where he recounted his administration’s efforts to combat kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

The four men were sentenced to death by the Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, over their involvement in the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14, 2026.

According to the governor, the convictions followed his administration’s determination to address insecurity, which he described as one of the major challenges confronting the state when he assumed office.

Okpebholo said he had discussed the security situation, alongside the condition of roads in Edo, with President Bola Tinubu. He added that he informed the President about the market abduction and assured him that his administration would take action.

Recounting the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the suspects, the governor said he prayed for their apprehension within 24 hours before directing the Commissioner of Police to act.

“I told him I wanted these guys arrested because I already have an approval from God, and they were caught within that time,” he was quoted as saying.

Speaking about the sentences imposed on the convicts, Okpebholo said he hoped they would not appeal the judgment, adding that he intended to act if the statutory period elapsed without an appeal.

“They are already sentenced to death, and I pray they don’t appeal the judgment. Even when they appeal the judgment, they are only delaying time. If within 30 days, they don’t appeal, I will execute,” the governor said.

The statement comes as the case enters a critical stage following the court’s decision to impose death sentences on the defendants for offences connected with the abduction.

The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael. They were tried on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

Delivering judgment, Justice Aigbona Momodu said the law constrained the court’s discretion in determining the appropriate punishment for the offences established against the defendants.

“My hands are tied under the law. I wish I have the law permit me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,” the judge said.

Isaac was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, 10 years’ imprisonment on count 10, and life imprisonment on count 11.

Wisdom Michael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two to nine.

Emete Michael was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six and seven, while Raphael received seven years’ imprisonment on count one and death sentences on counts two, four, six and eight.

The court also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits during the trial. The items were to be handed over to the Edo State Police Armourer at the State Criminal Investigation Department for destruction within 30 days.

The governor also disclosed that, before launching his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism, he met with prominent traditional rulers across Edo State and warned against interventions on behalf of people involved in such crimes.

He further recounted what he described as unusual incidents surrounding his anti-cultism campaign and the demolition of a building allegedly linked to a cult group.

“A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while contesting for governorship,” he said.

The governor’s remarks formed part of his account of the challenges associated with the security campaign.

In his remarks, the founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Apostle Ehijele Umuahia, urged members of the congregation to participate actively in the 2027 general elections.

Citing Proverbs 29:2, the cleric said prayers for political leaders should be accompanied by civic responsibility, encouraging Christians to turn out and vote.

Umuahia also praised Okpebholo’s personal commitment to religion, saying he had known the governor for more than 15 years through his association with the late Chief Tony Anenih.

“Whenever Chief Tony Anenih came to visit me, he was one of those who accompanied him,” the cleric said.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court was inaugurated on July 1, 2026, to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes.

Although the governor announced his intention to sign the death warrants if the convicts do not appeal within 30 days, the execution of a death sentence remains subject to applicable legal procedures. The governor’s statement does not, by itself, establish that all requirements for execution have been fulfilled.