The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013 and addressing related matters during its second reading.
The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of kidnapping. It was approved following the review by the Committee of the Whole.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, emphasised the necessity of the bill, noting that kidnapping has escalated into a significant issue.
He urged his colleagues to support the passage of the executive bill, describing kidnapping as a heinous act that has claimed many innocent lives and caused immense suffering to families and the community.
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 reinforce their arguments in favour of prescribing the death penalty for kidnappers, given the severity of the crime.
They highlighted that the death penalty could deter kidnappers who demand ransoms from their victims and often go on to kill them. They stressed the importance of the executive arm ensuring that death penalties are signed and enforced without leniency.
Following the debate, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed those clean copies of the passed bill be sent to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his assent.
Additionally, the House passed a bill to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law of 2022, which aims 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 purposes.
Also at plenary, the House 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, found her qualified for the position.
