Edo Governor Says He Will Sign Death Warrants for Kidnappers, Even His Own Father

 
(Okpebholo Monday. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says he will sign the death warrants of convicted kidnappers, regardless of who they are, even if it is his own father.

He said he would personally supervise any execution.

He made the remarks in a video shared online, on Tuesday.

He said the state needs to remove dangerous people from society and argued that kidnappers have killed many people.

He also pointed to the trauma victims suffer.

He cited a woman who was pushed during an attempted abduction and said fear alone could have killed her.

Monday also said that kidnappers cut off one of the hands of the state's Chief Judge.

The governor said he had asked the Attorney General about the status of the relevant papers and is waiting for updates.

He added that the state will pursue appeals so that no convicted kidnapper escapes punishment.

The comments come under the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which introduced the death penalty for kidnappings that result in the victim's death.

Under the law, kidnappings where victims survive carry life imprisonment.

In September 2026, a special criminal court sentenced four men to death for abducting a woman in Benin City in June.

“EVEN IF IT’S MY FATHER, I WILL SIGN IT.” — EDO GOVERNOR ON KIDNAPPING LAW 🇳🇬 Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says family connections should not protect anyone involved in kidnapping. Speaking about the state’s law prescribing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, the governor made it clear that even his own family would not be exempt. But here’s the bigger conversation. Nigerians are tired of kidnapping, insecurity and families living in fear. People want to feel safe in their homes, on the roads and in their communities. Tough laws send a message. But the real test is whether criminals are caught, investigations are thorough, innocent people are protected and justice is delivered fairly. Because a law is only as effective as the system enforcing it. Do you believe the death penalty will help reduce kidnapping in Nigeria, or is the bigger problem how our laws are enforced? #OLUDLT #EdoState #NigeriaNews #Justice #Security

— OLU DLT 🌍 Culture & Real Talk (@DLT_Raleigh) November 11, 2026