Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday signed the anti- kidnapping bill which imposes death penalty and life imprisonment for kidnappers into law.
This bill which was recently signed into law by the State’s House of Assembly, imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for kidnapping for ransom.
The law stipulates that where a victim dies in the course of a kidnap, the suspect is liable on conviction to death.
Governor Ambode, explained that the law was enacted to address key issues bordering on security.
“In recent times, kidnapping has become a major threat to the safety of citizens and therefore required decisive action by the government. This law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for kidnapping for ransom. The law stipulates that where a victim dies in the course of a kidnap, the suspect is liable on conviction to death.”
“Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos state,” Ambode said.
He said that the State’s justice system is required to execute the Law to the letter and ensure that any criminal caught faces the full wrath of the law.
According to him, the state government is putting appropriate measures in place, particularly in schools to prevent security breaches.
Governor Ambode also signed two other bills, including the Sports Trust Fund Law and the The Sport Commission Law.
He explained that the two laws are meant to harness the potentials in sports.
In his remark, the majority leader of the House, Hon. Sinai Agunbiade, said the law is borne out of the need to address the increasing cases of kidnapping in the state.
