The Enugu State Government has announced its intention to demolish any property, whether residential or commercial, found to be used for kidnapping for ransom within the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday by Uche Anichukwu, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on External Relations.
Onyia emphasized that this move is part of the Mbah administration’s ongoing efforts to eradicate crime in Enugu State.
The Enugu State House of Assembly amended the state’s Criminal Code Law in November 2016, and the amendment was signed into law by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on January 20, 2017. Section 315 of the Criminal Code (Second Amendment) Law Cap. 30, Laws of Enugu State stipulates that any building or structure used for kidnapping, whether the owner is aware or should reasonably be aware of its use, shall be demolished or forfeited to the state government.
Professor Onyia acknowledged that public concern had been expressed over the government’s delay in enforcing the eight-year-old law.
He explained that the current administration has been conducting due diligence to ensure that the enforcement of the law does not lead to undue loss or miscarriage of justice.
“The government urges property owners to thoroughly vet prospective tenants before leasing their property,” Onyia stated.
He also revealed that a list of properties identified as being used for kidnapping purposes has been compiled, and these properties will soon be demolished to serve as a deterrent to others.
“There is no hiding place for criminal elements in Enugu State. They have the choice to either repent, leave town, or face severe consequences,” Onyia warned.
