The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law imposing the death penalty for kidnapping.
This decision came on Tuesday as lawmakers reviewed the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.
The bill, presented by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, was examined clause by clause after a motion was seconded by Minority Leader Henry Okaka, representing Owan East.
Previously, the 2013 law provided life imprisonment and property confiscation for those involved in kidnapping.
However, the lawmakers decided to introduce stricter punishment by approving the death sentence while maintaining the seizure of properties linked to the crime.
In addition to the kidnapping law, the Assembly repealed the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and established the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Edo Electrification Agency.
The lawmakers also confirmed Mrs. Kenny Okojie as the chairman of the governing board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
