Ondo State enforces death by hanging for kidnappers

The Ondo State Government has declared that anyone found guilty of kidnapping in the state will face the death penalty by hanging.

This was announced by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), during a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting held on Saturday in Akure.

Ajulo stated that aside from capital punishment for kidnappers, any building or property used in carrying out kidnapping activities will be demolished, following due legal procedures. He revealed that the Ondo State House of Assembly would soon review the anti-kidnapping law to formally prescribe the death penalty for the offence.

The Attorney General added that the government is equally worried about the rising cases of cultism in the state and assured that necessary actions would be taken to tackle the menace decisively.

“The governor, being a firm believer in the rule of law, will not act arbitrarily like it is done in other places, but will ensure every step follows due process in court,” Ajulo stressed.

He also highlighted that as Ondo State continues to attract investors, it remains a top priority for the government to assure them of the safety of their lives and investments.

This move by Ondo makes it the second Nigerian state this year to adopt death by hanging as punishment for kidnapping. In April, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, approved a similar law prescribing death by hanging for convicted kidnappers. The governor had also vowed to demolish properties linked to kidnapping and repurpose them for security operations in the state.