Okpebholo Vows to Sign Death Warrants for Kidnappers Who Fail to Appeal Within 30 Days

Nigeria News | Edo State | October 24, 2026

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that he will sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers if they fail to appeal their sentences within 30 days, renewing his administration’s hard-line stance against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.

The governor made the statement while speaking at a fellowship organised by God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Ekpoma, Edo State, where he reviewed his government’s efforts to address insecurity.

According to reports by Leadership and Premium Times, Okpebholo said he hoped the convicted men would not appeal their sentences, adding that he was prepared to proceed with signing the warrants if they did not challenge the judgment within the period he specified.

Four Convicts Sentenced to Death

The four defendants - Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael — were sentenced by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, 2026, following their trial on charges involving kidnapping and other offences. The case arose from the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.

The court imposed different sentences on the defendants, including death sentences on specified counts. Some charges against individual defendants resulted in acquittals, meaning their convictions and sentences were not identical.

Okpebholo said his administration had prioritised security since he assumed office. He also recalled contacting the police after the kidnapping and demanding the swift arrest of those responsible. He claimed the suspects were apprehended within 24 hours of his intervention.

Legal Questions Over the 30-Day Deadline

The governor’s statement has renewed attention on the legal process governing death sentences in Nigeria, particularly the right of convicted persons to appeal.

In earlier reporting, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olayiwola Afolabi, cautioned the Edo State Government against moving towards execution before the convicts had an opportunity to exercise their right of appeal. He cited a 90-day period for filing a notice of appeal, rather than the 30-day period mentioned by the governor.

Consequently, Okpebholo’s declaration should be understood as his stated intention, not confirmation that the executions can lawfully proceed immediately after 30 days. The applicable legal requirements and the status of any appeals remain important to determining the next steps.

Security and Accountability

Kidnapping remains a serious security concern in Nigeria, and the Edo case highlights the pressure on state authorities to protect residents, prosecute offenders and deter further attacks.

The next developments to watch include whether the convicts file appeals, how the courts address any challenges, and whether the Edo State Government takes further steps concerning the sentences.

Factful24 takeaway: Governor Monday Okpebholo has reiterated his intention to sign the death warrants of four convicted kidnappers if they fail to appeal within 30 days. However, the distinction between the governor’s declaration and the applicable judicial process is crucial: the right to appeal and the legal requirements for carrying out a death sentence remain central to the case.

Sources: Leadership