Senate okays death sentence for kidnapping

Apparently taking a a cue from certain states that have introduced capital punishment, the Senate has approved death sentence for abduction, wrongful restraints or wrongful confinement of innocent victims for ransom.

The Senate also approved 30 years jail term for anybody that colluded with any abductor.

The development was sequel to the passage of a bill on abduction, wrongful restraints or wrongful confinement for ransom.
The Bill was sponsored by Senator Isa Hamma Misau (APC-Bauchi).

After the debate on clause by clause consideration of the report by its committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, the Senate adopted the clause which specified death sentence for kidnapping.

Earlier, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP Enugu North) had presented the report of the committee on behalf of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru.

Presenting the report, Utazi said the Bill sought to prescribe stiff punishment for those behind kidnapping.

He said the bill sought to combat and prevent any form of kidnapping in Nigeria by giving wider powers to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure adequate policing of the crime.

Clause 1 (3) of the Bill stated that: “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.”

Clause 5 (2) of the bill also revealed: “Anyone who fails to produce any book, account, receipts, vouchers or other documents, which is in his possession or control shall be guilty of an offence.”

The person shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both fine and imprisonment.”

Clause 3 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.

It is instructive to note that the report was unanimously accepted by senators after a voice vote.