The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the growing menace of kidnapping across the state, with Governor Monday Okpebholo and members of the State House of Assembly joining forces to introduce stricter penalties for offenders.
This was made known in a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua. According to the statement, the Edo State House of Assembly has officially passed the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing security reforms.
The statement titled, “A STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN OF NEW KIDNAPPING PROHIBITION LAW IN EDO STATE,” outlined the new provisions and stiffer penalties contained in the law.
“In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo and members of the State House of Assembly are united in taking a firm stand against the escalating threat of kidnapping. The Edo State House of Assembly has passed the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025. This amended legislation marks a bold legislative milestone aimed at tightening the noose on kidnappers, their accomplices, and enablers. It reflects a sharpened resolve by the government to enhance public safety and restore confidence in law enforcement and judicial systems within the state.”
The amended law now introduces some of the harshest anti-kidnapping penalties in Nigeria. Itua explained that any kidnapper found guilty in a case where a victim loses their life will face the death penalty, while those whose victims survive the ordeal will now be sentenced to life in prison.
“Furthermore, the law introduces a minimum sentence of 21 years for anyone who aids, abets, conspires, or attempts to commit the offence of kidnapping, reflecting the government’s intention to criminalize not just the act itself but the entire chain of support behind it.”
Another notable provision in the law targets those who, while not directly involved in the crime, provide shelter, hideouts, or logistical help to kidnappers. Such individuals now risk a minimum sentence of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction.
“Another groundbreaking aspect of the amendment is the provision targeting those who provide shelter, hideouts, or logistical support to kidnappers. Such individuals, regardless of whether they directly participated in the crime, are now liable to a minimum of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction. This sweeping clause is designed to dismantle the ecosystem that enables the planning and execution of abductions, closing loopholes that perpetrators have long exploited.”
The legislation also broadens the definition of kidnapping to include situations where an individual is forced into confinement through threats or deception, no matter how long or short the detention lasts.
Additionally, the law criminalizes ransom negotiations. “Notably, the amendment also criminalizes the act of negotiating ransom. Any individual who receives, offers, or facilitates the exchange of ransom payments, whether a relative of the victim or otherwise, is now at risk of prosecution. The law aims to break the cycle of financial incentives that have fueled the persistence of the crime, making it less lucrative for perpetrators. In the same vein, the possession of property, whether movable or immovable, acquired through ransom proceeds is now a criminal offence, subject to forfeiture and other legal consequences.”
To ensure fair and safe prosecution, the law also introduces protection for witnesses and victims by guaranteeing their confidentiality and shielding them from retaliation.
“The Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025 also includes clauses that ensure the protection of witnesses and victims during prosecution. It mandates confidentiality for witnesses and safeguards them from potential reprisals. This is an important provision given the fear and reluctance often associated with testifying against dangerous criminals, and it signals a move towards a more victim-sensitive justice system.”
The government says these measures were driven by increasing concerns from civil society, security professionals, and residents about the dangers posed by kidnapping and its damaging effects on peace and economic stability.
“The Edo State government’s decision to adopt such comprehensive and tough measures sends a clear message that it will no longer tolerate acts of criminality that violate the sanctity of human freedom.”
As the law takes effect, authorities plan to roll out sensitization campaigns, retrain law enforcement officers, and educate the public about the new provisions.
“As the state implements the provisions of this law, emphasis will be placed on training law enforcement officers, sensitizing the judiciary, and educating the public on the implications of the amendments. This multi-pronged approach is necessary to ensure the law’s effectiveness and to build a safer Edo State where citizens can live without fear.”
