The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law approving the death sentence for kidnapping in the state.
The lawmakers on Tuesday passed the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025, replacing the previous law, which prescribed life imprisonment for offenders.
The Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, moved the motion for the House to review the bill clause-by-clause, and it was seconded by the Minority Leader, Henry Okaka, who represents Owan East.
During the review, the lawmakers agreed to amend the 2013 law, which previously provided life imprisonment and confiscation of properties used for kidnapping. The new amendment now prescribes the death penalty for anyone found guilty of kidnapping.
The lawmakers explained that the harsher punishment was necessary due to the rising cases of kidnapping in the state.
The House also passed a bill to repeal the Edo State Electricity Law 2022* and establish the Edo State Electricity Market, Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and Edo Electrification Agency.
Meanwhile, the lawmakers confirmed Mrs. Kenny Okojie as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
