Kidnappers in Trouble As Senate Passes Conferment Bill

  • Bill passes third reading on the floor of the Senate
  • It gives no fine options

The Senate has passed the Conferment bill which seeks to prescribe punishment for the offences of abduction, wrongful restraint and wrongful conferment for ransom.

This bill seeks to combat and prevent any form of kidnapping in Nigeria. It passed its third reading on the floor of the Senate on Monday after a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters Chaired by Senator David Umaru.

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The bill which was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Isa Misau went for first reading on the 17th of May, 2016, second reading on the 5th of October, 2016 and was referred to the Senator Umaru-led Committee.

The passage of the Conferment Bill means whoever, with intent to hold any person for ransom, abducts or wrongfully restraints or wrongfully confines such a person shall be guilty of an offense and shall be punished on conviction with imprisonment without an option of fine.

Furthermore, whoever is guilty of the offence which resulted in serious injury to the abducted victim shall be punished on conviction with life imprisonment without an option of fine.

The bill also provided that whoever is guilty of the offence which resulted in the death of the victim, shall be punished and on conviction be sentenced to death.

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Similarly, whoever conspires to commit the offense is guilty of an offense and shall be punished on conviction with life imprisonment.

Below are lies the general provisions of the bill.

General provisions of the Bill:

1. Abduction, Wrongful Restraint, Bodily Harm.

2. Receipt of Ransom.

3. Negotiation for Ransom.

4. Power to Freeze Bank Account.

5. Order to Authorize Inspection.

6. Information.

7. Duty to Inform the Police.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 29, 2019

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8. Power to intercept Communications.

9. Evidence of Accomplice.

10. Evidence of Pecuniary Resources Property.

11. Protection of Informers.

12. Prosecution of Offences.

13. Repeal of 364 of the Criminal Code.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) April 29, 2019

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