By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a decisive move to combat the escalating issue of kidnapping in Edo State, the State House of Assembly has passed the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, 2025, introducing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers.
The bill, which was passed after a thorough clause-by-clause review during plenary, marks a significant shift from the previous 2013 law, which prescribed life imprisonment for kidnappers and confiscation of any property used in the crime.
The motion to deliberate on the bill was presented by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, and was seconded by Minority Leader Henry Okaka (Owan East).
The bill’s passage reflects the growing concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings in the state, with lawmakers opting for a more stringent legal framework in a bid to deter offenders.
Following the vote, Speaker of the House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, instructed the Clerk to send a clean copy of the bill to Governor Godwin Obaseki for final assent.
If signed into law, the new provisions will increase the penalty for kidnapping to the death sentence, while still retaining the clause for the confiscation of property involved in the crime.
In addition to the Kidnapping Prohibition Law, the House also passed a bill aimed at repealing the Edo State Electricity Law, 2022.
The new legislation seeks to establish the Edo State Electricity Market, aiming to enhance the state’s electricity infrastructure and improve power supply.
