Nigeria’s Senate Takes a Stand Against Kidnapping: Death Penalty Proposed for Kidnappers and Enablers

Nigeria’s Senate Takes a Stand Against Kidnapping: Death Penalty Proposed for Kidnappers and Enablers

The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold step towards combating kidnapping in the country by proposing the death penalty for kidnappers and anyone who finances, enables, or provides information to them. The proposal is part of a bill aimed at amending the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking, and related crimes as terrorism

The Senate’s decision comes amid rising concerns about the increasing rate of kidnapping in Nigeria. According to the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, kidnapping has evolved into a coordinated, commercialized, and militarized act of violence perpetrated by organized criminal groups. He noted that the crime has instilled widespread fear in communities, undermined national economic activities, and claimed countless innocent lives

The bill proposes the death penalty for kidnappers, their informants, logistics providers, harborers, transporters, and anyone who knowingly assists, facilitates, or supports kidnapping operations. Attempt, conspiracy, or incitement to kidnap will also attract the same penalty. The bill aims to empower security agencies with broader operational authority, intelligence capabilities, and prosecutorial tools to pursue terrorists and their enablers

Several senators have backed the bill, citing the need for tough action against kidnappers. Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that deradicalization programs for terror suspects have not been effective, and that those convicted of terrorism-related offenses should face the death penalty. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also supported the bill, insisting that informants and sponsors of kidnappers must face the consequences

The bill has been referred to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior for further legislative work. The committees are expected to report back within two weeks. If passed, the bill will mark a significant step towards combating kidnapping in Nigeria and providing justice for victims and their families