State Assembly Approves Death Penalty For Kidnappers
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.
Following the review by the Committee of the Whole, the bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of kidnapping.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, emphasised the necessity of the bill, noting that kidnapping has escalated into a significant issue.
The lawmaker while describing kidnapping as a heinous act that has claimed many innocent lives and caused immense suffering to families and the community, urged his colleagues to support the passage of the executive bill.
READ ALSO
- Edo LG Chairman, 8 Councillors, Defect To APC
- Edo: Okpebholo Assigns Six New Commissioners Portfolios
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, also expressed their support for the bill.
They 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.
They highlighted that the death penalty could deter kidnappers who demand ransoms from their victims and often go on to kill them. They stressed the importance of the executive arm ensuring that death penalties are signed and enforced without leniency.
The Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed that clean copies of the passed bill be sent to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his assent.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
