Senate on Wednesday approved a
stiffer penalty of Five Million or five years jail term or both for criminals
who kidnap or abduct any person within the territory of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
The approval which reflected in
clause 103 of the Nigeria Police Act followed a suggestion to that effect by
Senator Jibrin Barau representing Kano North Senatorial district.
Jibrin Barau reasoned that the
trauma experienced by kidnap victims was nothing near any penalty meted against
kidnappers by the law of the land, saying that the penalty was appropriate to
serve as deterrents.
“Mr. President, distinguished
colleagues, I want to recommend or suggest five million penalty or five years
imprisonment or both. ”
“You can imagine what a kidnap
victim goes through and I tell you no remedy is appropriate. Let’s approve the
suggestion please.”
Earlier in the debate, Senator
Bala Ibn’Nallah cautioned lawmakers on the implications of stiffer monetary
penalties.
He said, if a criminal who faced
prosecution was unable to pay penalties, the next thing was for the Court to
return him to prison, hence, Nigeria prisons would be filled.
Also, the appointment of the
Inspector General of Police was statutorily fixed for a single term of five
years irrespective of his years of retirement.
Moreso, criminals who obstruct
Police operations from arresting
a criminal would not find it easy in the amended act.
Chairman of the Committee on
Police Affairs, Senator Tijjani Kaura on Wednesday submitted the Committee
report to the Senate plenary which recommended catalogue of reforms.
The amendment of the Police Act
which was introduced by the Colonial masters and which came into force in 1943
was passed into law in the Senate in line with the much expected Police
reforms.
In his remarks, Senate President,
Dr Bukola Saraki was optimistic that the amendment would ensure effective
policing in Nigeria.
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