Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s government of Ondo State has declared that from now on, any individual convicted of kidnapping within the state will receive the death penalty by hanging.
The Attorney General and Ondo State Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), made this announcement during a press conference following the State Executive Council meeting on Saturday in Akure, the capital of the state.
As stated by the Attorney General, any buildings and facilities utilised by kidnappers in the commission of their crimes will be demolished, adhering to the proper legal procedures in court.
Ajulo further clarified that the Ondo State House of Assembly will review the anti-kidnapping law, which will mandate the death penalty for kidnappers by hanging.
Naija News reports that Ajulo also mentioned that the council is deeply concerned about the rising incidence of cultism in the state and is committed to taking all necessary actions to address the issue effectively.
“The governor, being a lover of the rule of law, would not go the way it’s being done in other states without following necessary court due process.
“We should know that we have investors coming to the state, and as part of the measures, we should ensure we encourage them that they and their investment are safe,” Ajulo noted.
Naija News reports that Ondo has become the second state this year to mandate death by hanging for individuals convicted of kidnapping. In April, the governor of Edo, Monday Okpebholo, announced that kidnappers apprehended in the state would be subjected to the death penalty, specifically by hanging.
Governor Okpebholo conveyed his willingness to sign the death warrants of those convicted.
He also mentioned that the Edo State House of Assembly had enacted a bill to amend the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law and Related Matters of 2013.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules, but apply them strictly. The new law in the State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands,” the governor said.
“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness, according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it.”
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