Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

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 In addition to the kidnapping law, the Assembly repealed the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and established the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Edo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.

Senate Approves Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

The Nigerian Senate has made a bold move by approving a bill that mandates the death penalty for individuals found guilty of drug trafficking within the nation’s borders. The decision, which followed a presentation by Senator Tahir Monguno representing Borno North. The bill, which passed its third reading in the Senate chamber, seeks to modernize existing laws governing drug offenses and strengthen the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Key provisions include updates to the list of prohibited substances and the enhancement of drug testing laboratory facilities. The decision to introduce the death penalty came as an amendment to Section 11 of the current NDLEA Act, which previously stipulated a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for drug trafficking offenses. Senator Ali Ndume spearheaded the amendment, arguing for tougher penalties to deter drug-related activities effectively. During deliberations, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin oversaw a clause-by-clause examination of the bill. Despite objections from Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the gravity of the decision, the amendment to impose the death penalty was put to a voice vote and passed with a majority in favor. While Senator Oshiomhole expressed concerns about the weightiness of matters concerning life and death, the decision had already been made, as no immediate call for division was made following the ruling. The Senate’s endorsement of the bill underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and related offenses. Proponents argue that stricter penalties are necessary to stem the tide of illicit drug activities, while critics warn of the potential for miscarriages of justice and human rights violations. With the bill cleared by the Senate, it now awaits further deliberation and potential amendments in the House of Representatives before it can be enacted into law, pending the President’s approval.