Edo Establishes Special Court to Tackle Cultism, Kidnapping

Benin, Edo – The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has constituted a dedicated Special Criminal Court to fast-track the prosecution of cases involving cultism, kidnapping, and related offences.

The Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, announced the development in an official statement dated June 25, 2026. The new court, to be known as “Special Criminal Court 1”, will commence operations on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and will sit in Benin City, the state capital.

According to the statement titled “Establishment and Composition of a Special Criminal Court for Edo State sitting in Benin City,” the court was established following a formal request by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.

It will handle offences relating to cultism and kidnapping, as well as any other matters that may be assigned to it by the Chief Judge.

DAILY South Nigeria understands that the governor’s move fulfills a threat he made on June 18, 2026, during the public parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminals by the Edo State Police Command. On the June 19, 2026, Governor Okpebholo formally wrote to the Chief Judge requesting the constitution of the special court.

The request was conveyed through a letter dated June 19, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor.

The letter, with reference number SGA.710/T/40, was received at the office of the Chief Judge the same day at about 3:16 pm, titled “Request for the constitution of a special court for offences relating to cultism and kidnapping.”

In the letter, the SSG emphasized that the request stemmed from the governor’s “unwavering commitment to tackling and eradicating the menace of cultism and kidnapping” in Edo State, while strengthening the administration of criminal justice.

The governor also asked the Chief Judge to nominate three judges or any number he deems fit to man the special court.

The establishment of the special court is seen as a significant step in the state government’s efforts to curb rising insecurity, particularly cult-related violence and kidnapping, which have been major concerns in parts of Edo State.