Bill seeking death penalty for kidnappers passes second reading at Senate

A bill aimed at amending the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and similar crimes as terrorism has passed its second reading in the Senate.

The legislation, introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, proposes the death penalty for perpetrators, with no option of a fine or alternative punishment.

Bamidele noted that the bill supports the Senate’s recent pledge to collaborate with the Federal Government in finding lasting solutions to the country’s security problems.

The Senate Leader recalled that three weeks ago, during an executive session, the Senate resolved to introduce a robust legal framework specifically targeting the growing menace of kidnapping across the country.

While presenting the bill, Bamidele described kidnapping as one of the most pervasive and highly commercialized forms of violence perpetrated by criminal groups, noting that it has instilled widespread fear in communities and disrupted education, particularly for children.

According to reports, the bill seeks to formally designate kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.

Lawmakers say the introduction of the death penalty is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to perpetrators.

Lawmakers also noted that during the bill’s public hearing, appropriate sanctions should be considered for any financial institution found to be facilitating transactions linked to kidnappers, while some others further advocated for an end to the practice of granting amnesty to identified terrorists.

The bill has been referred to joint committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Interior, and National Intelligence to report back in two weeks.