The Edo State Special Court is set to kick off expedition of trials relating to cultism and kidnapping cases.
As announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Edo High Court’s Chief Registrar, Benson Osawaru, the court will commence operation from July.
This is coming days after the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, announced plan to set up the court to address the increasing rate of cult-related offences and abductions across the state.
NPO Reported that the governor had vowed to sign the death warrant of any suspect found guilty and sentenced to death by the court.
Okpebholo made the vow during the parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists at the Police Command Headquarters in Benin.
He disclosed that the establishment of the court is aimed at fast tracking litigations on special criminal offences.
Osawaru, in the statement, noted that the new court would handle cases of cultism, kidnapping, and other matters assigned by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
“The move is expected to address the rising cases of cult-related violence and abductions across the state by ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and serving as a deterrent to perpetrators.’