KIDNAPPERS: I’LL SIGN EXECUTION WARRANT EVEN FOR MY FATHER – OKPEBHOLO

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed not to spare anyone convicted of kidnapping, declaring that he would sign an execution warrant even if the person involved were his own father.

The governor made the statement in a video shared by TheCable, reiterating his administration’s determination to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Okpebholo said he would not allow family relationships or political connections to prevent the enforcement of the law against convicted kidnappers.

“I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it. The truth is this: we just have to get some bad elements out of the system for the system to stand,” he said.

Defending his position, the governor highlighted the trauma and physical injuries suffered by victims of kidnapping, arguing that the consequences of such attacks could be devastating even when victims survive.

He cited an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an abduction attempt, as well as an attack on the state’s Chief Judge, who he said sustained serious injuries at the hands of kidnappers.

Okpebholo disclosed that he had contacted the state Attorney-General to establish the status of the necessary documents relating to convicted kidnappers.

He also insisted that the government would follow the cases through the appeal process, adding that those convicted would not be allowed to escape punishment.

“If I see this paper today, now, I will sign it and I will even supervise the killing,” he declared.

The governor’s comments come amid the implementation of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2025, which provides the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims. Kidnapping offences where victims survive attract life imprisonment under the amended law.

In September 2026, an Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced four men to death over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael.

Okpebholo had earlier indicated that he would sign their death warrants if they failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated period.

His administration has also established a special criminal court to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases.