Edo CJ constitutes Special Court to try cultists, kidnappers
Edo State Establishes Special Court to Address Cultism and Kidnapping
BENIN CITY, Edo State — Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa has announced the creation of a special court dedicated to handling cases of cultism and kidnapping in Edo State.
In a statement released on June 25, 2026, Chief Registrar B.O. Osawaru confirmed that the new court, named “Special Criminal Court 1,” will officially begin operations on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The court will be located in Benin City, the state capital. Osawaru noted that the establishment of this court follows a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo, aimed at addressing the rising issues of cultism and kidnapping in the region.
The statement elaborated that this court would not only focus on cases of cultism and kidnapping but also handle other matters as assigned by the Chief Judge.
Governor Okpebholo had previously made remarks about the need for such a court during a June 18, 2026, event where suspects in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, were paraded by Edo State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika. Following his commitment to tackle these crimes, the governor sent a formal request to Chief Judge Okungbowa the day after.
The letter, dated June 19, 2026, and signed by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, was received by the Chief Judge’s office that same day. In the correspondence, titled “Request for the Constitution of a Special Court for Offences Relating to Cultism and Kidnapping,” the governor emphasized his determination to combat these issues and enhance the administration of criminal justice in the state.
The letter further requested the Chief Judge to appoint three judges to the special court or determine an appropriate number for its composition.
