The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill recently passed by the state House of Assembly with a pledge to ensure its full implementation.
The law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom, as well as death penalty for kidnappers if a victim dies in the course of kidnap, among others.
At the signing ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Ambode said the spate of kidnapping in the state required decisive action from government.
He said aside from the law, the government would put other measures in place to prevent kidnapping and other security breaches.
The governor said, “Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos.
“While we use this law to address the challenge and punish the criminals, we are also putting in place appropriate measures, particularly in our schools and other vulnerable targets, to prevent security breaches.”
Ambode assured residents that the justice system would be activated to execute the anti-kidnapping law to the letter.
The governor also signed the Sports Trust Fund Bill and the Sports Commission Bill into law, explaining that the laws were enacted to address key issues, as well as harness the potential in the sports sector.
The Speaker of the state Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Sanai Agunbiade, said the laws were a clear testimony of the commitment of the state government to the security of residents and sports development.
