Justice Terry Momodu Aigbona of the Edo State Special Criminal Court has urged residents to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their homes, shops, vehicles and business premises to help tackle crime.
DAILY POST reports that the judge made the call on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Benin City, while sentencing four kidnappers to death by hanging.
Aigbona commended those who installed CCTV cameras at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin City, saying the system contributed greatly to the arrest of kidnappers who abducted a woman at the market on June 14, 2026.
He said CCTV was no longer a luxury but a necessity for security.
“I commend those who installed the CCTV system at the vegetable market. That helped to capture the scene of the vegetable market incident on June 14, 2026.
“That singular act of installing CCTV on the premises provided evidence that assisted the police in the detection and proof of the crime that took place at the Vegetable Market. I commend you.
“In this age where crime has become sophisticated, I encourage all residents of Edo State to endeavour to acquire and install CCTV cameras in their homes, shops, vehicles and business premises. It is no longer a luxury but a necessity for security,” he said.
Justice Aigbona also called on the Edo State Government to encourage residents to install CCTV cameras through public enlightenment and, where possible, provide incentives to the people.
He urged the government to also install CCTV cameras in public places, including markets, parks and public institutions.
He said the installation would greatly assist in the detection of crime and maintenance of public order.
The judge also commended the Nigeria Police for its efficiency, diligence and prompt investigation, which led to the arrest of the defendants in “this notorious Vegetable Kidnapping case.”
He thanked the prosecution and defence counsel for their cooperation, industry and decorum throughout the trial, noting that their actions enabled the court to arrive at its final judgment.
Meanwhile, Prof Roland Otaru, the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, commended the judge for delivering what he described as a thorough, well-researched and historic judgment.
Otaru vowed that the state would not be safe for criminal elements.
He also said the state government would not be intimidated or allow itself to be blackmailed by anybody.
According to him, the judgment had sent a message to criminals that there was no hiding place for them in the state.
“To criminals, I want to warn you that Edo State is a no-go area for criminality. Anybody who thinks that he or she will come to the state to commit any crime, that person will be nabbed. That person will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“I want to say it again and again that I can never be compromised. Anybody who commits any crime in this state, that person will be prosecuted.
“And nobody can blackmail the government; nobody can blackmail me. There is no hiding place for criminals. They can do wrong, but they cannot hide,” he added.
