By Abiola Olawale
The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, now prescribing death penalty for those convicted of kidnapping within the state.
The New Diplomat reports that the legislative action marks a shift from the previous penalties, which included life imprisonment and the confiscation of property used in the act of kidnapping.
The bill was passed after the majority leader of the House, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, moved a motion for the house to dissolve into the committee of the whole to consider the bill clause-by-clause.
Aiguobarueghian, in his lead debate, said the amendment was necessary following a noticeable increase in kidnapping incidents in Edo State.
He maintained that provisions in the new law aim to deter potential kidnappers through the imposition of the harshest possible penalty.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Henry Okaka. During the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, the lawmakers amended the existing law 2013, which had provided for life imprisonment and confiscation of property allegedly used for kidnapping
The lawmakers amended the law to provide a stiffer penalty of death sentence and confiscation of property used in the act.
