NIGERIA: ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY PRESCRIBES DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPING

March 17, 2009: the Anambra State House of Assembly in Nigeria passed a bill prescribing the death penalty for kidnapping. If eventually signed into law by the governor, the state would join Rivers State in making kidnapping a capital offence.
The bill was supported by 29 members of the house, amends sections 315 and 316 of the Criminal Code. The lawmakers claimed the death penalty became necessary because of embarrassing rise in kidnap cases in the state.
The law, if signed into law by the governor, will take effect from March 17, 2009.
The bill also recommended that a special court be designated to try kidnap cases.
However, the law provides for life imprisonment without option of fine,  if the offence did not involve the use of arms. (Sources: The Punch, 18/03/2009)