- As Ambode signs Act on kidnapping into law
The notorious kidnapper, George Evans, currently undergoing investigation by the Police, may be risking death penalty or minimum of life imprisonment if found guilty under the laws of Lagos State Government.
This is so as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State signed into law the Kidnapping Prohibition Bill, 2016 which stipulates Life Imprisonment or death penalty for the offence of Kidnap and forceful extortion in the State.
The law prescribes death penalty for kidnappers whose victims die in the custody; and life imprisonment for the act of kidnapping.
The Lagos State House of Assembly had passed the bill into law on January 5, 2017.
Governor Ambode explained that the law was enacted to address key issues bordering on security.
The governor bemoaned that kidnapping has become a major threat to the safety of residents in Lagos State and, therefore, required decisive action by the government.
“The law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for kidnapping for ransom.
“The law stipulates that, where a victim dies in the course of kidnapping, the suspect is liable on conviction to death.
“Security is of utmost importance to our administration, and we are confident that the law will serve as deterrent to anybody, who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos State.
“Our justice system will be required to execute this law in absolute and make sure that any criminal caught faces the full wrath of the law,” the governor declared.
Apparently, on conclusion of investigation, Evans would have known what his punishment will be on conviction as soon as prosecution commences.