Judiciary, Legal Experts Declare Full Support for Gov Okpebholo’s Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping War

The judiciary and legal practitioners in Edo State have thrown their weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intensified campaign against cultism and kidnapping, which is a growing threat to security and economic stability in the state.

The show of support came during a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City, where Governor Okpebholo hosted the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, and a delegation of judges and legal professionals.

Governor Okpebholo, addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of synergy between the executive and judiciary in the fight against crime. “There is a fight against cultism, and I am taking it very seriously,” he said. “These crimes are a major setback to our economic development. We must bring them down to the barest minimum so we can feel safe again, our children can invest here, and their investments will be protected.”

He praised the judiciary’s responsiveness in providing legal guidance and reiterated the need for ongoing cooperation to ensure the effective enforcement of the law.

The governor’s remarks come amid recent legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025. These new laws impose tough penalties, including:
• A mandatory 10-year sentence for individuals who harbor cultists
• 21 years’ imprisonment for cultists causing injury or property damage
• Death penalty for kidnappers in cases where victims die

Governor Okpebholo also pledged to support the judiciary in addressing institutional challenges, including staff shortages. This came in response to concerns raised by Chief Judge Okungbowa, who noted that the state’s judicial system had suffered talent losses due to migration abroad.

“We understand the urgency,” the governor said. “We will take necessary steps to strengthen your capacity — including recruitment — so that justice is not delayed.”

Chief Judge Okungbowa, accompanied by a delegation of judges and judicial officers, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, peace, and security across the state.

The meeting concluded with a unified stance from both the executive and judicial branches of government, highlighting a shared resolve to root out criminal elements and restore public confidence in Edo State’s safety and governance.