By Ken Chiwendu
The Ondo Government has announced that henceforth, anyone found guilty of kidnapping in the state will face the death penalty by hanging.
The Attorney General and Ondo State Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), stated this at a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Saturday in Akure, the state capital.
According to the Attorney General, buildings and facilities used by kidnappers in committing crimes would be demolished after following due process in the court.
Ajulo explained that the anti-kidnapping law would be reviewed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, which will prescribe the death penalty for kidnappers by hanging.
He said the council was also concerned about the spate of cultism in the state and would do everything necessary to decisively deal with the situation.
“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.
Following Edo’s Path
Ondo becomes the second state this year to have called for death by hanging for kidnappers. In April, the Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo, said kidnappers caught in the state will face the death penalty, specifically by hanging.
Governor Okpebholo expressed readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts.
He noted that the Edo State House of Assembly had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law and Related Matters 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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