Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that convicted kidnappers in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging.

The Governor disclosed this at the stakeholders’ session at the Uromi Town Hall on Friday, April 18, 2025, expressing his readiness to sign the death warrant of convicts.

The meeting served as an interactive session between the Governor and leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land following the recent gruesome murder of 16 travelling Kano hunters.

According to Okpebholo, the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Act (and Related Matters) 2013.

He explained that the bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.

ALSO READ: Uromi Killings: Okpebholo suspends security chief, illegal vigilante groups

The Governor, who read the riot act, said his administration will not tolerate killing, insecurity, and kidnapping anymore, promising to deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the state.

“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in the State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands.

“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it,” he was quoted in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Friday, April 18, 2025.

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Okpebholo seeks stakeholders’ support

Okpebholo appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate with his administration to secure Edo State amid the recent rise in kidnapping incidents, which has raised concerns among residents.

“The kind of security we want to have in the State is one where security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before, where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries, and stop people from just putting on their uniforms.

ALSO READ: Okpebholo praised for firm response to security challenges in Edo

“These people will work with security agencies, and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start addressing the problems facing our people in the market and everywhere.

“It is time to start profiling people from other States who claim to be from the North and ensure they don’t spoil your name. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State.”

He stressed that President Bola Tinubu loves the North and has been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn’t degenerate into more destruction.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested an alleged serial r@pist, Chidiebere Mbene, for the m3rder of a 15-year-old boy in Unubi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.  Spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 18, 2025, said the suspect k!lled the teenage boy after r3ping his elder sister.  The Commissioner of Police Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu _fwc MNIPS PhD, today 18th April 2025 commended the Nnewi community for their collaboration with the Police in apprehending an alleged serial r3pist, Chidiebere Mbene m aged 33 years, the statement read. “The suspect is allegedly involved in the murder of one Nwokedi Michael Somtochukwu a 15-year-old boy in Unubi, Nnewi South Local Government Area on 15th April 2025. The suspect also allegedly r3ped the elder sister of the deceased before he fled the scene. “This development showcases the effectiveness of community policing and the importance of public cooperation in maintaining law and order. “To this end, the CP has directed the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a comprehensive investigation.  He also notes the Command’s willingness to continue to leverage on community support to effectively apprehend suspects as well as identify unrepentant criminals in the State. The post Police arrest alleged serial r3pist for m8rder of 15-year-old boy in Anambra appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

 Luigi Mangione has been indicted on federal charges over the de@th of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Brian Thompson d!ed in Manhattan, New York City, after an alleged shooting on 4 December last year. The 26-year-old has been charged with two counts of stalking, one count of murder through the use of a firearm, and a firearm offence for allegedly using a silencer. Mangione is accused of shooting Mr Thompson in the back as he walked to a conference. Officials allege that Mangione targeted Mr Thompson, who was the chief executive of the United States’ largest private health insurance company. An extensive manhunt followed, with Mangione arrested in Pennsylvania on 9 December. Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated prosecutors will seek the de@th penalty in the federal case. Federal offences carry harsher penalties than state offences and are prosecuted by a different level of government. In an announcement, she said: “I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.” But lawyers representing Mangione argue the death penalty is being sought as “a political stunt”. Mangione has also been charged in New York on state counts of first-degree murdr in furtherance of terrorism, as well as two counts of second-degree murdr. He is also charged with weapons counts and a count of using a forged instrument. He has pleaded not guilty in the state case.The post Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges over UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s de@th appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.