Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally requested that Edo State establish a dedicated court to handle cultism and kidnapping cases. The letter went to Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa on June 19, 2026.
State Secretary Umar Musa Ikhilor signed the correspondence on Okpebholo's behalf. It arrived at the judiciary's office at 3:16 p.m. the same day.
Okpebholo asked the Chief Judge to appoint three judges—or however many he considers necessary—to staff the new court. His administration wants expedited hearings for both cultism and kidnapping offences.
According to Ikhilor's letter, the governor remains committed to crushing these twin menaces across the state. He also wants to strengthen how the criminal justice system operates in this domain.
"I write at the instance of His Excellency to formally request Your Lordship to constitute a Special Court," Ikhilor stated. The tribunal would handle rapid case determination, he noted.
"His Excellency's unwavering commitment to tackling and eradicating the menace of cultism and kidnapping necessitated this request," the SSG wrote. Criminal justice administration also needs bolstering, he added.
"His Excellency respectfully recommends the nomination of three judges, or such number as Your Lordship may deem fit," Ikhilor said. He hoped the Chief Judge would give the proposal urgent and favorable consideration.
Just the day before, Okpebholo made his intentions clear during a parade of suspected kidnappers. The event took place at Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City on June 18.
He threatened to establish this specialized tribunal to ensure swift prosecution of cultism and kidnapping offenders. Okpebholo vowed to personally sign execution warrants for those found guilty.
The governor promised hangings would follow guilty verdicts from the court. He said trials wouldn't stretch beyond three weeks per case.
Okpebholo's administration has made tackling organized crime a priority since he took office. Security challenges, particularly in rural communities, have intensified pressure on state authorities to act decisively.
Legal experts have previously called for specialized courts to handle violent offences. Such tribunals often streamline proceedings and prevent case backlogs in regular courts.
Edo residents have increasingly demanded tougher measures against criminal elements terrorizing neighborhoods. Business owners report losing income due to insecurity linked to these activities.
The Chief Judge's response remains awaited as of press time.
