A Bill titled “Abduction, Wrongful Restraints and Confinement Bill 2021”, seeking stiffer penalty for kidnapping, wrongful restraint and confinement for ransom has passed second reading at the Senate.
This is sequel to the presentation of the lead debate by the sponsor, Ibikunle Amosun during plenary on Tuesday.
Amosun, while leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, said the bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, June 30.
He added that the aim is to ensure stricter and more stringent punishment for the offence of kidnapping, and bring to an end the debate of the adequacy or otherwise of punishment for kidnapping and other related crimes, like false imprisonment.
The Lawmaker however said the highest term of imprisonment prescribed for kidnapping in the Criminal and Penal Code Acts was 10 years imprisonment, describing the menace a major national challenge that deserved to be treated with all seriousness.
Meanwhile, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action to report back in four weeks.
