The judiciary and legal practitioners in Edo State have pledged full backing for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s renewed offensive against cultism and kidnapping.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday.
The endorsement took place on Tuesday during a high-level meeting at Government House, Benin City, where the Governor hosted the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, judges, and other members of the legal profession.
Governor Okpebholo described the collaboration between the executive and judiciary as “very cordial,” noting that he always received swift and sound legal advice when needed.
“I appreciate the synergy we have enjoyed so far. I usually get quick and helpful responses whenever I seek legal advice,” the Governor said.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for insecurity, Okpebholo called for deeper cooperation from the judiciary to stamp out cultism and kidnapping in the state.
“There is a fight against cultism, and I am taking it very seriously. I need your cooperation. 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 said.
The Governor has already signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, which impose stiff penalties, 10 years’ imprisonment for anyone who harbours cultists; 21 years for cultists who cause injury or property damage and death penalty for kidnappers where victims are killed.
During the meeting, Chief Judge Okungbowa highlighted staffing shortages in the judiciary, disclosing that many professionals had left for better opportunities abroad.
Governor Okpebholo promised immediate action to bolster manpower within the judicial arm.
“We must ensure our judiciary is adequately staffed to handle cases swiftly and fairly, particularly those related to insecurity,” he stated.
The Chief Judge, joined by a full delegation of judges and judicial officers, pledged the judiciary’s commitment to work closely with the executive to uphold peace, justice, and security in Edo State.
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