Lagos Confirms Death Penalty for Kidnappers

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill which imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom, as well as death penalty for kidnappers if a victim dies in the course of kidnap.

According to the governor, the law which was recently passed by the state House of Assembly is a response to the rising incidents of kidnapping in the state. In addition to the law, the government promised to put in place other measures to prevent kidnapping and other security breaches

At the signing ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Ambode said “Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos.

“While we use this law to address the challenge and punish the criminals, we are also putting in place appropriate measures, particularly in our schools and other vulnerable targets, to prevent security breaches.”

Ambode assured residents that the justice system would be activated to execute the anti-kidnapping law to the letter.