Edo Judiciary Backs Gov Okpebholo’s Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping Campaign
Judges and legal practitioners in Edo State have thrown their weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s uncompromising stand against cultism and kidnapping, pledging stronger collaboration to restore peace and order in the state.
The show of support came during a high-level meeting held at Government House in Benin City, where the Governor received the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, and a delegation of senior judicial officers.
Governor Okpebholo described the relationship between the executive and judiciary as “very cordial” and stressed the urgent need for united action against criminality. “There is a fight against cultism, and I am taking it very seriously,” he said. “These crimes are a major setback to our economic development. We must bring them down so our people can feel safe and invest confidently in the state.”
The Governor highlighted recent legislative moves, including the signing of two crucial laws this year: the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law.
These laws introduce stiff penalties—ranging from long prison terms to the death sentence for offenders involved in fatal kidnapping cases.
Justice Okungbowa had earlier drawn attention to staffing challenges within the judiciary, a concern Governor Okpebholo promised to address urgently to strengthen prosecution and speed up the judicial process.
The meeting ended with a strong message: Edo’s executive and judicial arms are united in the fight to make the state safer for all.
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