Nigerian Senate moves to prohibit payment of ransom to kidnappers through passing a bill, adjourns plenary till May
It's been a terrible moment in Nigeria as the activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers continues to grow on a daily basis.
Infact the year 2022 is regarded as one of the year that has recorded the most terrorists, banditry and kidnapping attacks in every region in Nigeria, but most especially in the North-East and North West Nigerian states such as Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states.
Within two weeks in early April, there was 2 bombing around the Kaduna axis of Nigeria and one being the train attacks by bandits along the Abuja-Kaduna railway line which killed many, injured, while some were Kidnapped by the bandits.
In 2013 the Nigerian National Assembly amended the Terrorists Act.
The Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 (TPAA) was enacted to amend the TPA, to provide “for extraterritorial application of the Act and strengthening of terrorist financing offences; and for related matters”. The amendments introduced by the TPAA were substantial.Source
The 2013 amendment of the said Act was to fight extraterrestrial terrorists activities, while didn't give much attention for the terrorists activities within the country.
On Wednesday 27 April, the Nigerian Senate chamber proposed a bill for the prohibition of terrorists activities within the country.
The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
The bill was laid by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), before consideration.
Bamidele, in his presentation, said the bill sought to outlaw the payment of ransom to abductors, kidnappers and terrorists for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped.Source
The question is, where do the kidnappers receive the ransom that they're paid?
Probably in their bank accounts. If this is true, than banks are to be more security conscious in order to help trace kidnappers easily. My problem with this is that most kidnappers and terrorists have account officers within the banks which they rewards handsomely after their operations and no one can trace that the money were paid to the said criminal's account.
Banks should verify transactions that come into the banks most especially huge amount of money.
This amendment is a welcomed development in the fight against insecurity within Nigeria. Hope this goes well. The Senate after yesterday's session have gone for recess until May.
Thanks for your time.
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