Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally petitioned the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to create a dedicated judicial panel focused on prosecuting cultism and kidnapping cases. In a letter dated June 19, 2026, the governor, through Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, proposed that three or more judges be appointed to this special court.
The correspondence, referenced SGA.710/T/40, was delivered to the Chief Judge’s office at approximately 3:16 pm on the same day. Titled “Request for the Constitution of a Special Court for Offences Relating to Cultism and Kidnapping,” the letter underscores the governor’s firm resolve to combat the rising threats of cultism and abduction, while also enhancing the state’s criminal justice framework.
According to the SSG, the governor’s request stems from a steadfast dedication to curbing these criminal activities and ensuring swift justice. The letter reads in part: “I write at the instance of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to formally request Your Lordship to constitute a Special Court for the expeditious hearing and determination of cases relating to cultism and kidnapping in Edo State.”
The governor also recommended the nomination of three judges—or any number deemed appropriate by the Chief Judge—to form this specialized panel. The statement concluded with an appeal for urgent and favorable action.
This development follows a promise made by Governor Okpebholo on June 18, 2026, during a parade of suspected kidnappers at the Edo State Police Command in Benin City. At that time, he announced plans for a dedicated court to expedite trials and vowed to sign death warrants for convicted offenders, emphasizing that trials would not exceed three weeks.