Edo govt set to inaugurate special court for kidnapping, cultism trials

The new court would handle cases involving cultism, kidnapping, and other matters assigned by the state’s chief judge.

News Agency of Nigeria • June 26, 2026

Okpebholo(Photo credit:Punch Newspaper)

The Edo High Court of Justice will begin a special criminal court to expedite trials of offences relating to cultism and kidnapping in July.

Benson Osawaru, the court’s chief registrar, made the announcement in a statement in Benin on Friday.

According to the registrar, the court-designated special criminal court was constituted on the request of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He noted that the new court would handle cases involving cultism, kidnapping, and other matters assigned by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

“The move is expected to address the rising cases of cult-related violence and abductions across the state by ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and serving as a deterrent to perpetrators,’ he said.

The governor, on June 18, during the parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists at the police command headquarters in Benin, had announced that Edo would establish a special criminal court to fast-track litigations on special criminal offences.

(NAN)

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