By Ogochukwu Isioma
The judiciary and legal practitioners in Edo State have declared their full support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing battle against cultism and kidnapping.
The endorsement was the highlight of a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City, when Governor Okpebholo received the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, alongside a delegation, comprising judges and members of the legal profession in the State.
Presiding over the meeting, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the executive and the judiciary, describing their relationship as “very cordial.”
The Governor remarked: “I appreciate the synergy we have enjoyed so far. I usually get quick and helpful responses whenever I seek legal advice.”
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his firm stance against rising insecurity in the State, particularly the menace of cultism and kidnapping. He appealed to the judiciary for continued cooperation in the enforcement of law and order.
He said: “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.”
The Governor’s renewed call for a joint action comes on the heels of recent legislative reforms aimed at curbing insecurity.
Earlier this year, he signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025.
The laws impose strict penalties including a mandatory 10-year jail term for anyone who harbors cultists; 21 years for cultists who cause injury or damage property; and the death penalty for kidnappers in cases where victims lose their lives.
In a bid to strengthen the judicial system’s ability to administer justice swiftly and fairly, Governor Okpebholo also pledged his administration’s support for addressing critical institutional needs, including the recruitment of additional judicial staff.
Earlier in the meeting, Chief Judge Okungbowa had informed the Governor of the judiciary’s staffing challenges, noting that several professionals had left in search of better opportunities abroad.
Governor Okpebholo responded positively, acknowledging the urgent need to equip the judiciary with adequate human resources to also ensure effective prosecution of cases related to insecurity.
The Chief Judge was accompanied by a delegation of judges and other judicial officers, symbolizing a unified commitment from Edo’s legal community to uphold peace, justice, and security in the State.
The meeting ultimately reaffirmed a shared resolve between the executive and judicial arms of the government to rid Edo State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all.
