Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said he will personally supervise the execution of convicted kidnappers, even if one of them happens to be his own father. The governor’s stark declaration was made as part of a broader statement on the state’s crackdown on kidnapping.
“Even if it’s my father, I’ll sign his death warrant,” Okpebholo told reporters, emphasizing that no personal relationship will deter him from carrying out the death penalty against those found guilty of kidnapping.
Kidnapping remains a serious security challenge across Nigeria, with the Niger Delta region, including Edo State, experiencing a surge in abductions for ransom in recent years. Authorities have responded with heightened police operations and legislative measures aimed at deterring the crime.
Under Nigerian law, kidnapping is a capital offence, and courts can impose the death sentence on individuals convicted of the crime. Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to oversee executions signals a firm commitment to enforce these penalties without exception.
The governor’s remarks have drawn attention to the state’s resolve to combat kidnapping, while also raising questions about the balance between strict law enforcement and due process in the judicial system.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
