The Edo State government has stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo and the State House of Assembly are unified in their stance against the rising issue of kidnapping.
Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, stated this in a statement released on Thursday.
In a statement headlined “A STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN OF NEW KIDNAPPING PROHIBITION LAW IN EDO STATE,” the administration stated that the Edo State House of Assembly enacted the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025.
The statement continues, “In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo and members of the State House of Assembly have taken a tough stance against the rising threat of kidnapping. The Edo State House of Assembly approved the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025. This amended act represents a significant legislative milestone aimed at tightening the noose around kidnappers, accomplices, and facilitators. The government has strengthened its efforts to improve public safety and restore trust in the state’s law enforcement and judiciary. Kidnapping penalties have been dramatically strengthened by this new statute. The law, which is regarded one of the most draconian anti-abduction regulations in the country, mandates the death sentence for anyone directly participating in a kidnapping that results in the loss of life. In cases when victims survive the ordeal, a convicted kidnapper now risks life in jail, a stark contrast to the lesser punishments imposed in prior laws.
“Furthermore, the law establishes a minimum punishment of 21 years for anyone who assists, abets, conspires, or attempts to commit the offense of kidnapping, showing the government’s determination to criminalize not only the act itself but the entire chain of support.
“Another ground-breaking clause in the amendment targets individuals who aid kidnappers with shelter, hideouts, or logistical support. Such persons, regardless of whether they actually engaged in the crime, now face a minimum of 14 years in jail if convicted. This broad clause aims to demolish the ecology that allows for the planning and execution of abductions, addressing loopholes that criminals have long exploited.
Furthermore, the statute broadens the definition of kidnapping. It now includes coercing another person into imprisonment using threats or deception, regardless of the length or character of the incarceration. This redefinition aims to include a broader range of criminal strategies, particularly those that do not involve typical hostage-taking scenarios but nonetheless violate persons’ liberties.
Notably, the amendment criminalizes the act of negotiating a ransom. Anyone who receives, proposes, or facilitates the exchange of ransom payments, whether they are a victim’s relative or not, is now subject to prosecution. The law intends to disrupt the circle of financial incentives that have fueled the crime’s continuation, making it less profitable for perpetrators. Possessing property gained by ransom profits, whether movable or immovable, is now a criminal offense with legal implications, including confiscation.
“The Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025 also includes provisions for the protection of witnesses and victims during prosecution. It requires witnesses to maintain confidentiality and protects them from potential repercussions. This is a crucial provision given the dread and reluctance that often accompany testimony against dangerous criminals, and it represents a shift toward a more victim-sensitive justice system.
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“This new law responds to growing calls from civil society, security experts, and the general public for tougher legislation to combat the surge in abductions, which has not only endangered lives but also hampered economic activity and shattered communal peace.”
“The Edo State government’s decision to implement such extensive and harsh actions sends a clear message that it would no longer tolerate criminal acts that violate the sanctity of human freedom.
“As the state implements the terms of this law, emphasis will be given on training law enforcement officers, sensitizing the judiciary, and informing the public about the ramifications of the modifications. This multifaceted approach is required to ensure the law’s effectiveness and to create a safer Edo State where citizens can live without fear.”
