Senate approves bill to sentence kidnappers to death

Samson Toromade 10:16 - 29 September 2017

The bill outlaws abduction, wrongful restraint or confinement for ransom.

Lawmakers of the upper legislative chamber have passed a bill for a law that could mean death sentences for kidnappers who abduct for ransom.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Isa Misau (APC-Bauchi), was approved on Thursday, September 28, 2017 after due consideration of the report by Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The bill outlaws abduction, wrongful restraint or confinement for ransom as people who collude with abductors could also get up to 30 years in prison.

After the presentation of the report by Sen. Chukwuka Utazi (PDP-Enugu), lawmakers unanimously approved the bill in a voice vote.

The bill empowers the office of the Inspector-General of Police to more adequately deal with the recent spate of kidnappings around the country.