By Our Reporter
For a woman who was abducted in broad daylight at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, the ordeal may soon reach a significant legal milestone.
The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City is scheduled to deliver its first judgment in the kidnapping case on September 29, in a development that will put the newly established court under public scrutiny.
The woman was reportedly abducted on June 14 when gunmen allegedly arrived at the busy market in an SUV and whisked her away.
Her abduction sent fear through the market and triggered a police investigation that eventually led to the arrest of several suspects.
Two days later, the victim was released unharmed.
But for the police, the investigation continued.
One of the suspects, 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac, was arrested on June 18 during a gun duel with operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team. Another suspected member of the gang, identified as Precious, was killed during the operation, according to the police.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Gift Raphael, 27, Wisdom Michael and Rufus Michael.
Police also traced a red Lexus RX 350 allegedly used in the abduction. A pump-action shotgun with live ammunition, a motorcycle and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime were reportedly recovered during the investigation.
The case later became one of those brought before Edo’s newly established Special Criminal Court.
The court was established in July 2026 following a directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo for the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and cultism cases in the state.
During a visit to the Edo State Police Command after the suspects were paraded, the governor said anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law. He also said he would personally sign death warrants in accordance with existing legislation.
Now, as the court prepares to deliver its judgment on September 29, attention is shifting from the streets to the courtroom.
For families affected by kidnapping and communities living with the fear of abduction, the verdict will mean more than the conclusion of one criminal case.
It will also provide an early indication of how quickly Edo’s special court can handle violent crime cases and whether its creation will translate into faster justice for victims and their families.
Until the court delivers its judgment, the defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.
