Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any person lawfully sentenced to death for kidnapping, even if the convict were his father or another close relative.
The governor maintained that family relationships would not influence his decisions concerning convicted kidnappers, insisting that his administration was determined to address insecurity across the state.
According to TheCable, Okpebholo made the remarks in a video on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Okpebholo vows to sign death warrants
Speaking about his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, the governor said criminals must face the consequences of their actions regardless of their social or family connections.
“Even if it is my father, I will sign it,” he declared.
Okpebholo argued that stronger enforcement of existing laws was necessary to discourage kidnapping and protect residents from violent attacks.
He maintained that the state could not continue allowing criminal activities to threaten public safety.
The governor also disclosed that he had contacted the Edo State Attorney-General to inquire about documents relating to the execution of convicted kidnappers.
According to him, his administration would continue monitoring cases through the appeal process to ensure that judicial decisions were properly addressed.
“I will even supervise the killing,” he stated, while expressing his readiness to approve the necessary warrants.
Governor recounts victims’ suffering
Okpebholo also expressed concern over the physical and psychological suffering experienced by kidnapping victims.
He cited an incident involving a woman who was allegedly pushed during an attempted abduction, arguing that the fear alone could have resulted in serious consequences.
The governor also referred to an attack involving the state’s Chief Judge, claiming that the judicial officer suffered a serious injury at the hands of kidnappers.
He maintained that the experiences of victims demonstrated why the government needed to intensify efforts against kidnapping.
Edo introduces tougher punishment
The governor’s comments come amid the implementation of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025.
The legislation was passed by the Edo State House of Assembly in February 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen penalties for kidnapping and related offences.
The amended law provides for capital punishment in specified kidnapping cases and includes provisions targeting individuals who assist criminal operations.
The state government has also established a special criminal court to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases.
Four men sentenced to death
In September 2026, an Edo State Special Criminal Court sentenced four men to death over offences connected with 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.
The case followed the woman’s abduction on June 14, 2026.
The defendants were convicted on multiple charges relating to the incident, including kidnapping and other offences.
Okpebholo had previously indicated that he would sign death warrants if the convicts failed to appeal within the stipulated period.
However, any execution remains subject to applicable judicial procedures and the resolution of outstanding appeals.
The governor’s latest remarks reinforce his administration’s position on capital punishment as part of its strategy to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.
