Ajimobi Approves Death Sentence For Kidnappers In Oyo State

The Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi has signed into law a kidnapping prohibition bill, which will attract a death sentence for any kidnapper whose victim dies while in their custody.

The law, which makes kidnapping a capital offence in the state, had earlier been passed as a bill by the state House of Assembly, following the submission of a report by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and Justice, Olukayode Akande.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, and Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House, Mr. Paul Bankole, then signed the bill before the governor gave it his assent.

The law states that a convicted offender will be liable to life imprisonment if the victim is released or rescued unhurt upon the payment of a ransom, while the kidnapper will be made to pay back the ransom and same punishment would be given to those who aide and abet such kidnappers.

It further stated that any person who kidnaps or threatens to kill, maim or cause bodily harm in order to compel another person, corporate body or organisation to do or abstain from doing any act as a condition for the release of the victim shall be liableto life imprisonment.

Ajimobi commended the initiative by the lawmakers and the quick passage of the bill, stating that it would help curb crime and criminal activities in the state.

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