The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has taken steps to tackle violent crime by requesting the creation of a special court to speed up the trial of criminal cases.
In a letter to the Chief Judge of Edo State, the governor asked for the establishment of a Special Court to handle cases involving cultism and kidnapping in the state.
The letter was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and was officially received by the Office of the Chief Judge on Friday.
To ensure the court begins work quickly, the state government recommended the appointment of three judges, or any number the Chief Judge considers appropriate, to serve on the special panel.
The move comes a day after Governor Okpebholo issued a strong warning to criminals. Speaking on Thursday during a public parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists by the Edo State Police Command, he said his administration would not tolerate violent crime.
He also stated that he was ready to sign the death warrant of any person convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. According to the governor, the criminal justice system must be strengthened to end cultism and kidnapping, which continue to threaten peace in the state.
“So I want to appeal to our people to stay away from cultism and stay away from kidnapping because it will take you nowhere,” Okpebholo stated.
“It is cheaper for you to maintain your standard than to go into kidnapping and cultism because when you kidnap what you have before, you will lose it and you will lose your life.”
