During its second reading, the Edo State House of Assembly passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013 and addressing related issues.
The bill, which calls for the death penalty for kidnappers and the confiscation and demolition of properties used in kidnapping, was approved after being reviewed by the Committee of the Whole.
The bill’s necessity was emphasized by the majority leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, who said that kidnapping has become a serious problem and urged his colleagues to support the executive bill’s passage, calling kidnapping a horrible act that has claimed many innocent lives and caused great suffering for families and the community.
The measure was also endorsed by other politicians, such as Hon. Eric Okaka, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Donald Okogbe. In order to support their claims that, considering the seriousness of the crime, kidnappers should be executed, they cited both religious and constitutional writings.
They emphasized that the death penalty might serve as a deterrent to abductors who seek ransom from their victims and frequently murder them. They emphasized how crucial it is that the executive branch make sure the death penalty is signed and applied strictly.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku ordered that clean copies of the approved law be forwarded to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the state governor, for his signature after the discussion.
The Edo State Electricity Law of 2022, which aims to create 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Edo State Electrification Agency, the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company, and other related purposes, was also repealed by a bill that was passed by the House.
Kenny Okojie was confirmed by the House as the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency at plenary as well.
Okojie, a seasoned medical professional and native of Esan North East, was accepted after the Committee of Rules and Business recommended her for confirmation and determined she was qualified for the role.
