“Even If It’s My Father”: Okpebholo Vows to Sign Death Warrant for Convicted Kidnappers

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has vowed to sign the death warrant for anyone convicted of kidnapping in the state, including his own father, declaring that he would personally supervise the execution.

The declaration was made in a video shared by TheCable on Tuesday, amid efforts by his administration to enforce the state’s Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which prescribes capital punishment for certain kidnapping offences, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE VOW

Okpebholo did not mince words. “I pray our brothers are not involved because I will sign it. Even if it is my father, I will sign it. The truth is this: we just have to get some bad elements out of the system for the system to stand,” he said.

He declared that he would personally oversee the execution. “I stand, if I see this paper today, now, I will sign it and I will even supervise the killing,” he said .

THE JUSTIFICATION

Okpebholo defended his position by pointing to the trauma suffered by kidnapping victims. “Just look at the way they were pushing that woman down there. Supposing she died at that, because of fear, only fear. It’s enough for her to die. People have gone through trauma,” he said.

He also cited an attack on the state’s Chief Judge, who he said sustained serious injuries, including the loss of the use of one hand, during an encounter with kidnappers.

“Even our Chief Judge, if you see our Chief Judge, one of his hands was cut off by kidnappers,” he added.

THE CONTEXT

The governor’s comments come amid the implementation of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced the death penalty for kidnapping offences resulting in the death of victims.

The law was passed by the State House of Assembly in February 2025 and signed by Okpebholo later that month.

In September 2026, four men were sentenced to death by a special criminal court in Edo State over the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City.

The convicts were identified as Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael .Okpebholo had previously declared that he would sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers who failed to appeal their sentences within the stipulated 30-day period .

WHY IT MATTERS

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Okpebholo’s vow is a political statement as much as a legal one. He is signalling that his administration will not be soft on kidnapping, regardless of family ties or political connections.

He is also putting pressure on the judiciary to expedite the appeals process and on the federal government to support state-level efforts to combat insecurity.

But the vow also raises questions. Will the governor actually follow through? Will the death penalty deter kidnappers, or will it simply lead to more violence?

And what happens when the first execution is carried out—will it be a turning point, or a flashpoint? The governor has made his position clear. The law is on his side. And the hangman is waiting. ValidViewNetwork reports