A bill seeking to amend the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking and related offenses as acts of terrorism has scaled second reading at the Senate.
Newsbuka reports that the proposed law, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, recommends death penalty without the option of a fine or alternative sentence for offenders.
Bamidele said the bill comforms with the Senate’s recent commitment to work with the Federal Government to provide lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
He recalled that three weeks ago, the Senate resolved to introduce a robust legal framework targeting the growing menace of kidnapping across the country.
Speaking while presenting the bill, Bamidele described kidnapping as one of the most pervasive and highly commercialized forms of violence perpetrated by criminal groups.
He noted that it has instilled fear in communities and disrupted education, particularly for children.
If the bill pulls through, it will formally designate kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.
Lawmakers say the introduction of the death penalty is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to perpetrators.
Newsbuka reports that the bill has been referred to joint committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Interior, and National Intelligence to report back in two
Bill Seeking to Classify Kidnapping, others as Terrorism Scales Second Reading
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