Edo Establishes Special Court to Tackle Cultism, Kidnapping

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has taken decisive action against the escalating scourge of cultism and kidnapping with the establishment of a special court dedicated to trying offenders, the state’s Chief Judge announced on Friday.

Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Chief Judge of Edo State, has constituted the “Special Criminal Court 1,” which will commence operations on Wednesday 1st July 2026, according to a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Benson Osawaru.

The new court, which will sit in Benin City, the state capital, has been established following a formal request from Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, who had threatened to create such a tribunal during a public appearance on 18th June 2026.

The Governor’s threat came during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika.

In a move that has since materialised, Governor Okpebholo made good on his promise less than 24 hours later.

A letter dated 19th June 2026, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and addressed to the Chief Judge, formally requested the establishment of the court.

The correspondence, bearing reference number SGA.710/T/40, was received by the Chief Judge’s office at approximately 3:16pm on the same day.

In the letter, titled “Request for the constitution of a special court for offences relating to cultism and kidnapping,” the SSG stated that the request was necessitated by the Governor’s “unwavering commitment to tackling and eradicating the menace of cultism and kidnapping in the State.”

The government also aims to strengthen the administration of criminal justice through the specialised court, which will handle offences relating to cultism and kidnapping, along with any other matters the Chief Judge may assign.

The SSG’s letter further requested that the Chief Judge nominate three judges, or such numbers as he may deem fit, to constitute the Special Court.

The establishment of the court represents a significant escalation in the state government’s fight against organised crime, which has plagued communities across Edo State in recent years.

The official statement, titled “Establishment and Composition of a Special Criminal Court for Edo State sitting in Benin City,” confirms that the court will operate from 1st July 2026, marking a new chapter in the state’s criminal justice system.