Nigeria Senate To End Ransom Payment, Collection
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by Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Senate has proposed a Bill to end payment of ransom to Kidnappers and receipt of same a criminal offence, that will attract 15 years imprisonment.
In its plenary session, Thursday, May 19, the Sponsor argued that the bill is meant to discourage kidnapping which has become a menace to Nigerians.
Senator Onyewuchi explained that kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria, which has worsened the state of insecurity, stressing that the rise in the number of kidnap cases in Nigeria is quite alarming and must be curbed.
He blamed the current rise in kidnap cases to corruption, poverty, and security agents who have become informants to these criminals, adding that the rise in unemployment of most youths as a key factor.
The Senator told the House that the recent rise in kidnappings of innocent Nigerians is alarming and must be put to stop, at all cost.
According to him; “No matter the reason given or the explanation anyone gives to defend the rise in kidnap cases in Nigeria, it is quite clear, Nigerians are at risk.
“Worst of all, the expatriates who come to work in Nigeria no longer feel safe and it is bad for the image of Nigeria.”
He stressed that paying kidnappers will not guarantee the victim’s safety but empower the criminal to mastermind another kidnapping.
Onyewuchi cited laws in UK and USA, as examples where the payment of ransom is illegal, and encouraged Nigeria to adopt the same policy.
The bill which has passed its second reading has been sent to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawal for further screening.
The Terror Prevention Amendment Bill, 2021, has passed its second reading and is being sponsored by Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi.
