Senate Passes Bill Classifying Kidnapping As Terrorism, Proposes Death Penalty
A bill seeking to classify all kidnapping and hostage-taking offences as acts of terrorism passed its second reading at the Senate on Wednesday, during a plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The proposed legislation recommends the death penalty for all kidnapping-related offences, without the option of a fine or alternative sentences, as part of efforts to amend Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
On the urgency of the matter, Senate President Akpabio said the bill should move swiftly through the legislative process, emphasising the need for a public hearing before finalising prohibitions.
He stated, “It’s something we fast track to go for public hearing and thereafter concordance. Everything you are saying here, you must say it at a public hearing and then prohibit it to suit the situation of today.”
Akpabio then invited senators to express their support through a voice vote, allowing both proponents and opponents to respond. On the procedure, he said, “Those who support this bill are now ready a second time to say hi, and those against say nay the hi of it.”
He formally presented the bill, explaining that it seeks to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offences as acts of terrorism and prescribe the death penalty.
He read the bill’s formal title as, “A Bill for an Act to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related offences as acts of terrorism to prescribe death penalty for such offences without option of fine or alternative sentences and for related matters, 2025.”
Following the second reading, the bill was referred to the Committee on Judicial, Human Rights, and Legal Matters as the lead committee, with support from the Committees on National Security and Interior, and was directed to report back within two weeks.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, had its first reading on 27 November 2025, a day after lawmakers agreed to classify kidnapping as terrorism.
It passed first reading by a majority voice vote.
Currently, Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act prescribes the death penalty only when a kidnapping results in the victim’s death, while other kidnapping offences carry varying penalties, including life imprisonment.
The law also criminalises ransom payment, prescribing a minimum sentence of 15 years.
Recent high-profile cases include the rescue of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 church worshippers in Kwara State, with all victims freed but no arrests reported.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
