The Edo State Special Court for the hearing of cultism and kidnapping cases has begun delivering judgment in its first case involving four alleged kidnappers.
The court premises were crowded on Tuesday as residents and other interested persons gathered to hear the outcome of the case.
The four defendants — Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 — were charged with alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
They were accused of kidnapping Oseghale Precious in broad daylight at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin City. Other alleged victims named in the case were Lawani Alex, Nosa Blessing and Idehen Owenaze.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, were arraigned in July, three days after their arrest.
The case was filed under an 11-count charge.
The Edo State Government closed its case after presenting witnesses and tendering video recordings of the defendants being interrogated, their written statements and other exhibits, including a pump-action gun, an Android Camon 20 mobile phone and a Lexus SUV.
The special court was established by Governor Monday Okpebholo to facilitate the speedy trial of cases involving alleged cultism and kidnapping.
The governor has also signed legislation prescribing the death penalty for kidnapping in the state.
Presiding judge, Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu, began reading the judgment amid tight attention from those present in court.
