The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of 2013, prescribing the death penalty for kidnappers and mandating the confiscation and demolition of properties used in such crimes. The bill was approved during its second reading following a review by the Committee of the Whole. Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian stressed the necessity of the bill, highlighting the alarming rise in kidnapping cases. He urged fellow lawmakers to support the legislation, calling kidnapping a heinous crime that has caused immense suffering to families and communities.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Donald Okogbe, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, and Hon. Eric Okaka, backed the bill, citing religious and constitutional justifications for enforcing the death penalty. They argued that stricter penalties could deter kidnappers, who often kill their victims after collecting ransoms. They also emphasized the need for the executive arm to ensure strict enforcement without leniency.
Following deliberations, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed that clean copies of the bill be forwarded to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his assent.
Additionally, the House passed a bill repealing the Edo State Electricity Law of 2022, paving the way for the establishment of the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Edo State Electrification Agency, and the Edo State Electricity Transmission Company.
In another development, the Assembly confirmed Kenny Okojie as Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Okojie, a native of Esan North East and a seasoned health practitioner, was approved after the Committee of Rules and Business found her qualified for the position.