Seven Witnesses Testify As Video Evidence, Gun And Lexus SUV Tendered In Court
The Edo State Government has closed its case in the trial of four suspected kidnappers accused of abducting a woman at the popular Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Tuesday after presenting seven witnesses before the special court established by Governor Monday Okpebholo to handle kidnapping and cult-related offences in the state.
The four defendants — Marvellous Isaac (32), Wisdom Michael (36), Rufus Emete Michael (30), and Gift Raphael (27) — are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case is being prosecuted jointly by the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, with the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru, leading the prosecution team.
According to the prosecution, five of the witnesses who testified were victims of the alleged kidnapping, while the remaining two were Investigating Police Officers involved in the case.
During the hearing, one of the Investigating Police Officers attached to the Force Intelligence Department/Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Zone 5 Annex, tendered several exhibits before the court, including video recordings of the suspects’ interrogation and their written statements.
The prosecution also presented a voice recording allegedly involving one of the suspects, Gift Raphael, during a conversation with the alleged gang leader, Marvellous Isaac, who was also identified in court as her boyfriend.
Other exhibits admitted by the court included a pump-action gun allegedly linked to the suspects, an Android Camo 20 mobile phone and a Lexus SUV believed to be connected to the case.
Lawyers representing the defendants cross-examined all seven witnesses and challenged some of the documentary evidence presented by the prosecution, indicating that they would address the issues during their final written addresses.
After listening to both parties, Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu adjourned the matter to Friday, July 24, 2026, for the defendants to begin presenting their defence.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Edo State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Stephen Okoror, said the government had presented substantial evidence before the court, including the firearm allegedly used by the suspects.
He maintained that the special court is legally constituted by the Chief Judge of Edo State to handle only kidnapping and cult-related cases, adding that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling violent crime across the state.
Okoror expressed confidence that the ongoing prosecution would strengthen the fight against kidnapping and cultism and improve public safety in Edo State.
Counsel to the first, second and third defendants, Barrister Amaechi Achi Onwuzor, said his responsibility was to ensure the suspects receive fair legal representation as guaranteed by the Constitution, noting that the court would eventually deliver judgment based solely on the evidence presented before it.
The defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until the court delivers a verdict at the conclusion of the trial.
IBN News will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide updates as the trial continues.
