The Edo State Judiciary has declared unwavering support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s security agenda, commending his bold legislative steps and pledging judicial cooperation to tackle cultism, kidnapping, and rising insecurity across the state.
The declaration came during a courtesy visit by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of judges and legal practitioners, to the Governor at the Government House, Benin City.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua in a statement quoted Justice Okungbowa to have praised the Governor’s recent enactment of laws targeting cultism and kidnapping, describing them as timely responses to the state’s security challenges. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is swift and uncompromised in prosecuting offenders.
“The judiciary recognizes the weight of the task before us and we are ready to uphold these laws to the fullest,” the Chief Judge said. “But we also face staffing constraints that affect our efficiency.”
In response, Governor Okpebholo acknowledged the judiciary’s concerns and pledged immediate support, especially in the recruitment of judicial officers to strengthen case management and justice delivery.
He also emphasized the necessity of an active judiciary in the war against cultism and kidnapping, describing the relationship between the executive and judiciary as both “cordial and crucial” to maintaining law and order.
“I cannot fight this war alone,” Governor Okpebholo said. “Your cooperation is essential to defeating cultism and kidnapping. These crimes are driving fear into our communities and stifling development.”
The meeting also reflected on recent legislative milestones, including the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025
The laws introduced strict penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment and the death sentence in extreme cases, marking a zero-tolerance approach to violent crime in Edo State.
The legal community’s endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s security vision signals a unified front by both arms of government to restore public confidence, protect lives, and attract meaningful investment into the state.