Ajimobi Says Yes To Death Penalty For Kidnappers

SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, (THEWILL) – Abiola Ajimobi, Governor, Oyo State, has signed into law a kidnapping prohibition bill, which makes kidnapping a capital offence in the state.

The bill, which had been passed by the state House of Assembly, following the submission of a report by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and Justice, Olukayode Akande, states that kidnapping attracts the death sentence in the event of the death of a kidnap victim while in the custody of the abductors.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, and the Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House, Mr. Paul Bankole, had earlier signed the bill before the governor gave it his assent and signed it into law.

While signing the bill into, the Governor commended the lawmakers for its accelerated passage of the bill and declared that the new law would help curb crime and criminal activities in the state.

According to the law, a convicted offender will be liable to life imprisonment if the victim is released or rescued unhurt upon the payment of a ransom, while the kidnapper will be made to pay back the ransom.

The law prescribes life imprisonment for any person who kidnaps or threatens to kill, maim or cause bodily harm in order to compel another person, corporate body or organisation to do or abstain from doing any act as a condition for the release of the victim.

Also, similar punishment will be given to any person who procures, engages or gives information culminating in the kidnapping of a victim.

However, an attempt to kidnap someone attracts 20 years imprisonment, while anyone convicted for aiding and abetting kidnapping is liable to imprisonment for 15 years.

Story by David Oputah