Edo State Establishes Dedicated Tribunal to Tackle Cult Violence and Abduction Cases

In a bid to curb violent crimes, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has set up a special court to handle cultism and kidnapping cases, as announced in a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, on June 25, 2026.

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The statement, titled "Establishment and Composition of a Special Criminal Court for Edo State Sitting in Benin City," revealed that the new court, known as Special Criminal Court 1, will commence sittings in Benin City, the state capital, on July 1, 2026.

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The establishment of the court is in response to a request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had asked for a special court to be constituted to handle offences related to cultism and kidnapping, as stated by Osawaru.

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According to the statement, the court's formation is effective from July 1, 2026, and it will handle cultism and kidnapping cases, as well as other matters assigned to it by the Chief Judge of Edo State.

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Governor Okpebholo had previously vowed to establish a special court to ensure swift prosecution of cultism and kidnapping cases, while addressing journalists on June 18, 2026, during the parade of suspected kidnappers and other criminal suspects by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika.

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The governor followed through on his pledge the next day, June 19, 2026, by writing to the Chief Judge to request the constitution of the special court, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

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The letter, with reference number SGA.710/T/40, was received by the Office of the Chief Judge on June 19, 2026, at approximately 3:16 p.m., and it outlined the governor's commitment to eradicating cultism and kidnapping in the state and strengthening the administration of criminal justice.

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The Secretary to the State Government also requested that the Chief Judge nominate three judges, or any other suitable number, to constitute the Special Court, as part of the effort to tackle violent crimes in the state.