Edo State House of Assembly has passed a significant bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013.
Gatekeepers News reports that this amendment, which was approved during its second reading, introduces a death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping and also mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in such criminal activities.
Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, spoke on the urgent need for this legislation, highlighting the escalating prevalence of kidnapping as a critical issue affecting the community.
He urged fellow lawmakers to support the passage of the executive bill, labeling kidnapping as a grave offense that has led to numerous innocent lives lost and caused substantial distress for families and society at large.
Several other representatives, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, voiced their support for the bill, drawing on religious and constitutional references to strengthen their arguments for the death penalty as a deterrent against kidnappers who often demand ransoms and may carry out heinous acts against their victims. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that any death sentences imposed are promptly signed and enforced by the executive arm without leniency.
Following the discussions, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instructed that official copies of the passed bill be forwarded to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his approval.
In addition to the kidnapping bill, the House also voted to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law of 2022. This repeal aims to establish the Edo State Electricity Market, along with the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Edo State Electrification Agency, and the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company, among other initiatives.
Furthermore, the House confirmed Kenny Okojie as the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Okojie, who hails from Esan North East and possesses extensive experience in the health sector, received approval following a favorable recommendation from the Committee of Rules and Business, which found her qualified for the role.
