Insecurity: Edo Assembly approves death penalty, destruction of kidnappers’ properties

*The Edo State House of Assembly, in Nigeria, passes a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013, and addressing related matters during its second reading, stating that kidnapping is a heinous act that has consumed innocent lives, and caused immense suffering to families and communities

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In decisively curbing the Nance of kidnapping as one of the nagging security challenges facing Nigeria in recent years, the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013, and addressing related matters during its second reading, in Benin, the state capital.

ConsumerConnect gathered the Edo Assembly’s bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013 prescribes death penalty for kidnappers, and also mandates the state to seize and demolish properties used in the commission of kidnapping in the state.

The Assembly approved the provision, following the review by the Committee of the Whole.

Speaking on the bill during the review, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, House Majority Leader, emphasised the significance of the bill.

The Edo State legislator noted that kidnapping has escalated into a significant issue not only in the state but also in Nigeria.

Hon. Aiguobarueghian urged other House members to support the passage of the executive bill.

He also described kidnapping as a heinous act that has claimed several innocent lives, and caused immense suffering to families and communities over the years, both in Edo State and the entire country.

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, also expressed their support for the bill, report said.

The House members as well referenced religious texts and constitutional sources to reinforce their arguments in favour of prescribing the death penalty for kidnappers, given the severity of the crime.

The state lawmakers also highlighted that the death penalty could deter kidnappers who demand ransoms from their victims and often go on to kill them.

The House further stressed the importance of the Executive arm of government in ensuring that death penalties are signed and enforced without leniency.

Following the debate, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku then, directed the clean copies of the passed bill be sent to Governor (Senator) Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for his assent.

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