The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013, prescribing the death penalty for kidnappers and authorizing the confiscation and demolition of properties used in carrying out the crime.
The bill, which was reviewed and approved by the Committee of the Whole, received strong backing from lawmakers, who emphasized the growing threat of kidnapping in the state.
Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian underscored the necessity of the legislation, highlighting the devastating impact of kidnappings on families and communities. He urged his colleagues to support the measure, describing kidnapping as a grievous crime that has claimed many innocent lives.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, also expressed their support, citing religious and constitutional justifications for the death penalty. They argued that harsher punishments could serve as a deterrent, especially in cases where kidnappers demand ransoms and still go on to kill their victims.
The legislators further stressed the importance of the executive arm enforcing the law without leniency once it is signed.
Following the deliberations, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed that clean copies of the bill be forwarded to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his assent.
Other Legislative Actions
In a related development, the Assembly also passed a bill to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law of 2022. The new legislation aims to establish the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Edo State Electrification Agency, and the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company.
Additionally, the House confirmed Kenny Okojie as the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Okojie, an experienced health practitioner from Esan North East, was recommended for the position after the Committee of Rules and Business deemed her qualified.
( Channel Tv)
