Edo Governor Okpebholo to Sign Death Warrants for Kidnappers

On October 23, 2026, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo stated that he would sign the death warrants of four convicts from the Vegetable Market kidnapping case if they do not appeal their sentences within 30 days. This announcement was made during a fellowship at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, as reported by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.

Okpebholo highlighted the challenges of insecurity in Edo State and mentioned a conversation with President Bola Tinubu regarding the kidnapping incident. He noted that he prayed for the kidnappers' arrest, which occurred within 24 hours.

The Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced the four suspects to death on September 29, 2026. Okpebholo expressed hope that the convicts would not appeal, stating that any appeal would only delay the process.

He also warned traditional rulers against intervening on behalf of criminals and recounted unusual incidents he attributed to spiritual forces after demolishing a building linked to a cult group.