Edo closes case on trial of suspected kidnappers in special court

By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Edo State Government on Tuesday closed its case in the trial of four suspected kidnappers at the special court approved to try kidnapping and cult related cases. The government called a total of seven witnesses.

The four suspects are facing trial in the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin City and they were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

The four suspects – Marvellous Isaac, 32, Wisdom Michael, 36, Rufus Emete Michael, 30, and Gift Raphael, 27 – are being prosecuted by the Edo State Government and the police.

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney- General of the State, Prof Roland Otaru, who led other prosecution counsel to close the case, said five witnesses appeared last week Friday while two appeared on Tuesday.

One of the IPOs from the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team, Zone 5 Annex tendered video documents where the suspects were interrogated and their written statements taken.

He tendered a voice note of the female suspect among the kidnapping gang, identified as Gift Raphael, during her conversation with the gang leader, Marvellous Isaac, who also doubled as her boyfriend.

He also tendered a pump action gun, Android Camo 20 mobile phone, Lexus SUV, among others as exhibits which were all admitted in evidence by the court.

The witnesses were cross-examined by Barrister Amaechi Achi Onwuzor and Barrister Felix Osadebamwen Imasuen, counsel to the first, second, third and fourth defendants, respectively.

Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu adjourned the case to Friday, July 24, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.

Speaking to newsmen after the sitting, Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the state government has investigated the case and tendered a lot of documents which include the gun used by the accused.

On his part, Barrister Amaechi Achi Onwuzor, who appeared on behalf of the first, second and third defendants on pro bono, said his duty was to defend the suspects in line with the constitution.

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