The Ondo State Government has officially approved the implementation of the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping in the state.
The decision was announced by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, following the State Executive Council’s monthly meeting chaired by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Ajulo stressed that the drastic measure is aimed at tackling the growing cases of kidnapping across the state, where victims have often been killed even after ransom payments.
“Kidnapping and cultism have become serious threats to the peace and public order in our state. Strengthening the legal framework with the death penalty will serve as a deterrent to these crimes,” Ajulo said.
He also revealed that formal proposals for this amendment would be sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly for legislative action.
Ondo State has witnessed a surge in abductions, with recent high-profile cases prompting public outcry and demands for tougher punishment.
The new law, once ratified by the Assembly, will make kidnapping a capital offense punishable by death in the state.
