By Desmond Ogbonmwan
The Edo State Special Criminal Court has sentenced four defendants to death over their involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in what is the court’s first judgment in a kidnapping case since it began sitting in July.
The defendants — Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — had been standing trial over the June 14 abduction, as well as other alleged offences connected to kidnapping and violent crime in Edo State. Earlier proceedings identified the four defendants and showed that the case had moved through both prosecution and defence stages before final addresses.
The June 14 kidnapping
The case arose from the broad-daylight abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, on June 14.
Earlier testimony before the court indicated that the victim and her family had been confronted by armed men at the market. Prosecutors presented evidence including witness testimony, video recordings, statements attributed to the defendants, a pump-action firearm, a mobile phone and a Lexus SUV allegedly connected to the case.
The prosecution subsequently closed its case after calling seven witnesses, after which the defendants opened their defence.
During the defence stage, Marvellous Isaac denied involvement in the kidnapping and said he did not know some of the other defendants. He also denied participating in the June 14 operation.
The court later proceeded to final addresses before fixing the matter for judgment.
Four-count history of a wider criminal case
The defendants faced multiple charges arising from the investigation.
Earlier reports described the case as involving charges bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. Some reports described the charge sheet as a 10-count charge, while others referred to 11 counts.
The prosecution argued its case through testimony from alleged victims and police investigators, while defence lawyers challenged aspects of the evidence and maintained their constitutional responsibility to represent the accused.
The final judgment now brings the trial before the newly established special court to its first major conclusion.
Court’s first kidnapping judgment
The significance of the judgment extends beyond the four defendants because the case was among the first major trials before Edo State’s new Special Criminal Court.
The court commenced proceedings in July 2026 after being constituted to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases and help accelerate the prosecution of violent crimes.
At its inaugural sitting, Justice Momodu stressed the importance of diligence and professional case management in ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice.
The court subsequently moved quickly through the Vegetable Market case. By July 21, the prosecution had already called seven witnesses and closed its case, allowing the defence to begin presenting its evidence.
The four defendants
The defendants named in earlier court reports were:
- Marvellous Isaac, 32
- Wisdom Michael, 36
- Rufus Emete Michael, 30
- Gift Raphael, 27
Gift Raphael was the only woman among the four defendants. Earlier proceedings reported that she testified in her defence before the defence phase was eventually closed.
Why the judgment matters
The judgment represents the first completed kidnapping case before Edo State’s newly established special court.
Its creation followed concerns over kidnapping and cult-related violence in the state and the need to move such cases through the judicial system more quickly.
The Vegetable Market case had also attracted attention because the alleged abduction occurred in broad daylight at a busy commercial location in Benin City.
Before the judgment, the case had moved from investigation and arraignment through prosecution evidence, defence testimony and final written addresses in a relatively short period.
The court’s decision therefore provides an early indication of how the special court is handling complex kidnapping prosecutions.
What happens after a death sentence?
A death sentence delivered by a trial court does not by itself mean that an execution takes place immediately.
A convicted person may pursue the available appellate process. The judgment therefore marks the conclusion of the trial at this stage, but further legal proceedings may follow depending on whether an appeal is filed.
The implementation of any death sentence is also a separate process from the court’s pronouncement of sentence.
Background: Edo’s Special Criminal Court
The Edo Special Criminal Court began sitting in July 2026 after the Chief Judge of Edo State constituted the court to handle kidnapping and cultism-related cases.
The court was presided over by Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, whose appointment and judicial position are listed by the Edo State Judiciary.
The court has since handled several kidnapping and cultism-related matters, including the remand of suspects in separate cases during its first days of operation.
The Vegetable Market case became one of its earliest major trials and has now produced its first reported kidnapping judgment.
What to watch next
Attention will now turn to the formal details of Justice Momodu’s judgment and any appeal that may arise from the decision.
The ruling could also shape how subsequent kidnapping and cultism cases are processed by the special court as Edo State continues its effort to accelerate criminal trials.
For the families and communities affected by kidnapping in the state, the case also highlights the importance of not only arresting suspects but taking prosecutions through to a judicial conclusion.
FAQs
1. Who did the Edo Special Criminal Court sentence to death?
The four defendants were Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael. They had been standing trial over the June 14, 2026 kidnapping case linked to the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. Earlier court reports identified all four defendants during the trial.
2. What happened at the Vegetable Market in Benin City?
The case arose from the alleged abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026. Prosecutors subsequently presented witness testimony and other evidence during the trial.
3. What charges did the defendants face?
Earlier reports said the defendants faced multiple charges involving kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. Reports differed on whether the charge sheet contained 10 or 11 counts.
4. Who presided over the case?
The case was heard by Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu of the Edo State Special Criminal Court. The Edo State Judiciary lists Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu as a judge of the state’s High Court.
5. Can the defendants appeal the death sentence?
A death sentence imposed by a trial court can be subject to the applicable appellate process. The judgment therefore does not necessarily mean an execution will immediately follow; further proceedings may take place if an appeal is pursued.
