By Ola Ajayi

Ibadan—GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has given assent to a new kidnapping (prohibition) bill 2016, which prescribes death sentence or life imprisonment for any person who engages in kidnapping.

The governor, after his approval of the bill also vowed to enforce the law to the letter, warning kidnappers to leave the state in their own interest.

The bill, which had earlier been passed by the legislative arm and sent to the governor for assent had earlier prescribed life imprisonment for anybody found guilty of the offence.

But, after signing it into law, a capital punishment is now awaiting any kidnapper whose victim or victims die while in captivity.

The bill added that a convicted offender will be liable to life imprisonment if the victim is released or rescued unhurt upon the payment of a ransom, while the kidnapper will be compelled to pay back the ransom.

Similar punishment awaits any person who procures, engages or gives information culminating in the kidnapping of a victim.

Before the assent of the governor, the bill was passed by the legislative arm following the submission of report by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and Justice, Hon. Olukayode Akande.

The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Adeyemo and Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House, Mr. Paul Bankole, had earlier signed the bill before the governor’s assent.

The law prescribes life imprisonment for any person who kidnaps or threatens to kill, maim or cause bodily harm in order to compel another person, corporate body or organization to do or abstain from doing any act as a condition for the release of the victim.

Under the new law, 20 years imprisonment awaits anyone that makes an attempt to kidnap, while anybody who aids or abets kidnapping is liable to imprisonment for 15 years upon conviction.

Besides, the law stipulates 15 years imprisonment or any non-custodian punishment that may be determined by the court for any person who puts himself forward to be kidnapped for the purpose of extorting ransom from his employer, any person or body.

According to the law, any property owner who knowingly or willingly surrenders his building over which he has control to be used for the purpose of keeping a kidnapped person is liable to 15 years imprisonment, while such property shall be forfeited to the government.

Any person who willingly allows his or her electronics, equipment, instrument, mechanical or movable item to be used for the purpose of kidnapping, aiding or abetting kidnapping has also committed an offence and will be committed to prison for 10 years if convicted.