Edo State Chief Judge Unveils Special Court Against Cultism, Kidnapping

Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State, has initiated the formation of a specialized judicial body designed to address cases of cultism and kidnapping, a move aimed at curbing violent criminal activities across the state. This significant development was communicated via a press statement released on June 25, 2026, by B.O. Osawaru, the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court. The statement, titled “Establishment and Composition of a Special Criminal Court for Edo State Sitting in Benin City,” outlined the details of this new court.

Designated as Special Criminal Court 1, this new legal institution is slated to commence proceedings in Benin City, the state capital, on July 1. Osawaru clarified that the establishment of this court follows a formal request from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had sought the creation of a dedicated court to expedite trials for offences tied to cultism and kidnapping. The official statement declared: “An additional court to be known as ‘Special Criminal Court 1’ is hereby established with effect from Wednesday, the 1st day of July, 2026, for offences relating to cultism and kidnapping and such other matters as may be assigned to the court by the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State.”

Governor Okpebholo had previously pledged to set up such a specialized court on June 18, 2026. This promise was made to journalists during an event where suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements were paraded by Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police for Edo State Command. The governor's vow aimed to facilitate the swift prosecution of individuals involved in cultism and kidnapping.

True to his word, the governor submitted a formal letter to the Chief Judge the very next day, requesting the constitution of this new court. Dated June 19, 2026, the letter, bearing the signature of Umar Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government, was directed to the Chief Judge. This official communication, referenced SGA.710/T/40, reached the Chief Judge’s Office on the afternoon of the same day, specifically around 3:16 p.m.

The correspondence, titled “Request for the Constitution of a Special Court for Offences Relating to Cultism and Kidnapping,” articulated that the governor’s appeal stemmed from his unwavering dedication to eliminating cultism and kidnapping within Edo State, alongside his broader objective of bolstering the state’s criminal justice system. Furthermore, the SSG urged the Chief Judge to propose a suitable number of judges, specifically suggesting three, to preside over the newly established Special Court.