The Edo Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru has defended the death sentences handed to four convicts by the Edo Special Criminal Court, saying the court relied on credible evidence.
Justice Terry Momodu of the Edo Special Criminal Court sentenced the four convicts to death by hanging on Tuesday for kidnapping and cultism.
The convicts are Gift Raphael, 27; Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; and Rufus Emete Michael, 30.
The judgment marked the first delivered by the special court since its creation by the administration of Gov. Monday Okpebholo.
Otaru said the court based its decision on evidence presented during the trial, including testimonies from victims.
“First of all, the judgment was the first delivered since creation of the new court.
“The judgment was based on the evidence adduced and the evidence given by victims of the crime who came to court.
“At the end of the day, these persons were convicted,” he said.
Otaru dismissed claims that the offences occurred before the law establishing the court came into effect.
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“The court was created before the crime was committed.
“The governor had said that the state will set up a special court for kidnapping and other crimes which it did,” he said.
He commended Okpebholo for establishing the special court, saying the move demonstrated the state’s resolve to tackle crime.
“We appreciate the governor for what he has done to show that criminals have no hiding place in Edo anymore.
“When you commit a crime in Edo, you face the music,” he said.
In his Independence Day message to youths, Otaru urged them to shun crime, embrace innovation and pursue legitimate opportunities.
“The youth should move away, run away from crime. They should be innovative, look for what to do, not taking drugs, not joining cults or fraud.
“Don’t engage in illegal acts because Edo State will not condone such practices anymore,” Otaru said.
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