A bill seeking to impose a mandatory death sentence for the crime of kidnapping has passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, aims to revise the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to formally classify kidnapping and hostage-taking as terrorist acts.
Presenting the bill, Bamidele described kidnapping as a widespread and monetized form of violence that has instilled fear in communities and disrupted education. Senators argued that the capital punishment provision is intended to serve as a strong deterrent.
The bill has been referred to a joint committee for further review and is expected to return to the Senate floor with a report within two weeks.
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Disclaimer: This bill is subject to further legislative processes, including committee review, potential public hearing, and final voting in both chambers of the National Assembly before becoming law.
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