By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The Edo State Special Criminal Court in Benin City has made history with its first judgment, sentencing four persons to death over their involvement in the abduction of Oseghale Ofure Precious.
0Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu in his judgment on Tuesday, sentenced the four to death by hanging or lethal injection in accordance with the applicable law.
The convicts – Marvellous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Emete Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27 – were arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms, to which they all pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution was led by the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Roland Otaru (SAN), while Mr. Henry Amaechi Nwauzor represented the first, second and third convicts, and Mr. F.O.J. Imasuen appeared for the fourth convict, Gift Raphael.
During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses and tendered 15 exhibits in evidence.
The exhibits included CCTV footage relating to the abduction, phone tracking records, a Lexus SUV allegedly used in the operation and a firearm.
The four defendants testified on oath in their respective defence but called no witness.
At the conclusion of evidence, counsel on both sides filed, exchanged and adopted their respective final written addresses, after which the court reserved the matter for judgment.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Momodu held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge became visibly emotional while pronouncing the capital sentences, explaining that the law left him with no discretion over the prescribed punishment.
“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law permit me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law.”
PersSecondNews recalls that the case stemmed from the broad-daylight abduction of Oseghale Ofure Precious at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
Isaac, identified as the leader of the gang, received seven years imprisonment on count one, death on counts two to nine, 10 years on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11.
Wisdom Michael received seven years imprisonment on count one and death on counts two to nine.
Rufus Emete Michael received seven years imprisonment on count one and death sentences on the applicable capital counts.
Similarly, the only female, Gift Raphael received seven years imprisonment on count one and death by hanging on the applicable capital counts.
Pronouncing the sentences, Justice Momodu declared:
“You shall be hanged by the neck till you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you.”
The court also ordered the confiscation of the recovered JoJef pump-action firearm and cartridges, with the items to be handed over to the appropriate police authority for destruction within 30 days.
The judgment represents the first ruling of the Special Criminal Court, established to fast-track the prosecution of violent crimes in Edo State.
The court came into being on July 1, 2026, following the state government’s move to establish a specialised judicial mechanism for the speedy trial of violent crime cases.
The defence expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, with counsel indicating that the convicts would exercise their right of appeal.