Edo Kidnap Judgement: How convicted four abducted woman at Benin Vegetable Market 

Four persons have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Edo State High Court in Benin City for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market, off Airport Road, Benin City.

The convicts, Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27, were found guilty on charges arising from the abduction and other related offences.

Justice T. A. Momodu, who presided over the Special Criminal court dedicated to the trial of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, delivered the judgment on Tuesday after more than three hours of proceedings.

The court considered 11 counts brought against the four defendants before handing down the death sentences.

The woman was reportedly abducted on June 14 while she was at the market with her husband and children.

Armed men allegedly stormed the area, attacked the vehicle in which her husband was waiting and whisked her away.

The brazen abduction in the busy commercial area triggered concern among residents and prompted the Edo State Police Command to launch an investigation.

Police said the investigation led to the arrest of the four suspects.

According to the command, Isaac was arrested on June 18 during an operation in which another alleged member of the gang, identified as Precious, was killed.

Raphael, Wisdom and Rufus were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

The police also said a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, cash and a motorcycle were recovered during the investigation.

Following the conclusion of the trial and consideration of the evidence before the court, Justice Momodu sentenced the four convicts to death by hanging.