Special Criminal Court Begins In Edo Next Month

By Ayodele Oni

A special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of cultists and kidnappers will begin operation in Edo State July 1.

The special Court is part of an  avowed commitment to rid the State of cultism and kidnappings

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has approved the establishment of the special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of suspects.

The development follows a formal request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently called for the creation of a special judicial mechanism to accelerate the trial of suspected kidnappers, cultists, and other violent offenders.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, the new court, to be known as “Special Criminal Court 1,” will officially commence operations on July 1, 2026, and will sit in Benin City.

He added that the special court is expected to handle offences related to cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal matters that may be assigned by the Chief Judge in line with efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice in the state.

The establishment of the court comes amid heightened security operations across Edo State and growing concerns over cult-related violence and kidnapping activities in several communities.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier vowed to intensify the crackdown on criminal elements and ensure speedy prosecution of suspects arrested during ongoing security operations.

The governor’s request for the court was conveyed in a letter dated June 19, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

The correspondence emphasized the administration’s commitment to eradicating cultism and kidnapping while strengthening the state’s justice system.

The letter also urged the Chief Judge to nominate judges to preside over the special court, a request that has now culminated in the constitution of the tribunal.

Legal observers say the creation of the Special Criminal Court could significantly reduce delays in the prosecution of serious criminal offences while serving as a deterrent to criminal groups operating within the state.

The move is widely seen as part of broader efforts by the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the judiciary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and improve security across the state.