I’d Sign Death Penalty for Relatives Found Guilty of Kidnapping, Okpebholo Says

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that he would approve the death penalty for any of his relatives found guilty of kidnapping, insisting that his administration would not make exceptions in enforcing the law.

The governor made the statement on Monday in Benin City while reiterating his administration’s position against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

Okpebholo said he would not hesitate to sign the execution order even if a member of his family was convicted, stressing that the government must take firm action against those responsible for attacks on residents.

He said the state had continued to experience the devastating consequences of kidnapping, adding that the authorities could not allow criminal activities to persist without serious consequences.

The governor also referred to an attack on the Chief Judge of Edo State, whose hand was reportedly severed by kidnappers.

He said he had asked the Attorney-General about the case and was awaiting the necessary documents, but was informed that the matter had been appealed.

Okpebholo maintained that his government would continue to pursue the case through the legal process and would not allow those involved to escape accountability.

Edo State approved the implementation of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2025, which introduced the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.

In September 2026, a special criminal court in the state sentenced four defendants to death over the abduction of a woman in Benin City. The case involved charges including kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

The governor's latest comments reflect his administration's stated commitment to applying the state's anti-kidnapping legislation against offenders, regardless of their personal or family connections.