The Digest:
The Nigerian Senate has passed for a second reading a bill to classify kidnapping as a terrorism offense punishable by death, seeking to instill an ultimate deterrent in the heart of the nation's pervasive security crisis.
Key Points:
- A bill amending the Terrorism Act to impose a mandatory death penalty for kidnapping has passed its second reading in the Senate.
- The legislation, sponsored collectively by senators, seeks to formally designate kidnapping and hostage-taking as acts of terrorism formally.
- The proposed law removes the option of a fine or any alternative sentence for convicted offenders.
- The bill was fast-tracked, passing its first reading just a week prior, signaling urgent parliamentary action.
- Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated kidnapping has become a "well-coordinated, commercialised, and highly militarised" national threat.
- During debates, senators called for the law also to target financial sponsors, informants, and property owners who aid kidnappers.
- The bill has been referred to joint committees for public hearing, with a report expected within two weeks.
Sources: Premium Times, Vanguard
