The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013 during its second reading, addressing related issues.
The bill proposes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the seizure and demolition of properties used in the commission of kidnapping. It was approved after a review by the Committee of the Whole.
Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, stressed the importance of the bill, pointing out that kidnapping has become a major problem.
She called on her colleagues to support the passage of the executive bill, describing kidnapping as a heinous crime that has led to the loss of many innocent lives and caused significant suffering for families and communities.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, also expressed their support for the bill.
They referenced religious texts and constitutional sources to strengthen their arguments for imposing the death penalty on kidnappers, given the gravity of the crime.
They emphasized that the death penalty could serve as a deterrent to kidnappers who demand ransoms and often kill their victims.
They called for the executive to ensure that death penalties are signed and enforced without leniency.
After the debate, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed that clean copies of the passed bill be sent to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his assent.
Additionally, the House passed a bill to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law of 2022, which seeks to establish the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Edo State Electrification Agency, the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company, and other related entities.
At the plenary, the House also confirmed Kenny Okojie as the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Okojie, a native of Esan North East and an experienced health practitioner, was approved after the Committee of Rules and Business recommended her confirmation, deeming her qualified for the position.
