Nigerian Senate Approves Death Sentence for Kidnappers

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, passed a bill and approved death sentence for whoever engages in the act of kidnapping.

National Assembly, Abuja

 

A bill which outlaws abduction, wrongful restraint or confinement for ransom which was sponsored by Senator Isa Misau (APC-Bauchi), was on Thursday, passed into law after a consideration of the report by Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

 

According to a report by Premium Times, the Saraki-led Senate also approved death sentence for whoever engages in the act and a 30 years jail term for anybody that colludes with an abductor.

 

While presenting the report, Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu-North), said the bill sought to combat and prevent any form of kidnapping in Nigeria by giving wider powers to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate policing of the crime.

“Whoever is guilty of the offence and then results in the death of the victim shall be liable on conviction to be sentenced to death,” the bill in Clause 1 (3) stated.

 

Clause 3 of the bill provides a 30- year jail term to anyone who colludes with abductor to receive any ransom for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined.

 

The report was unanimously accepted by the lawmakers after a voice vote.