Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State says he will sign the death warrants of the four kidnappers recently sentenced to death by the state’s Special Criminal Court.
The governor, however, said the death warrants would be signed if the kidnappers fail to appeal within 30 days.
Okpebholo stated this while recounting his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities at the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Ekpoma, on Friday.
Recall that the criminals were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29 over the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin.
The governor said insecurity was a major concern when he assumed office and he decided to prioritise tackling it after raising the issue with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to go ahead.
“When the kidnappers attacked the vegetable market area, I told the commissioner of police that I wanted them arrested without delay,” he said.
The governor said the suspects had been sentenced to death and expressed hope that they would not appeal the judgement.
“If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he added.