Edo governor vows swift prosecution of criminals, rewards police with ₦10 million for arresting kidnap suspect.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to kidnappers and cultists, declaring that convicted criminals will face swift prosecution and severe punishment under his administration.
Speaking during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, Okpebholo announced plans to establish a special court dedicated to handling kidnapping and cultism cases.
“We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution,” the governor said.
He revealed that one suspect linked to the recent kidnapping at the Vegetable Market had been arrested, one was killed during the operation, while two others remain on the run.
Okpebholo assured residents that security agencies are working round the clock to rid the state of criminal elements, insisting that criminals and their sponsors would find no safe haven in Edo.
As a reward for their efforts, the governor presented ₦10 million to police officers involved in the successful operation.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said investigations are ongoing and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects. He also confirmed the recovery of a Lexus RX 350 vehicle, a pump-action shotgun, live cartridges, a motorcycle, and ₦2.25 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.