The Ondo State Government has announced that individuals found guilty of kidnapping within the state will henceforth face the death penalty by hanging.
This was disclosed on Saturday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), while briefing journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held in Akure, the state capital.
Ajulo stated that the decision forms part of an aggressive crackdown on the rising wave of insecurity in the state, especially cases of kidnapping and cult-related violence. He further revealed that buildings and facilities used in facilitating kidnapping operations will also be subject to demolition after proper judicial processes.
According to him, the Ondo State House of Assembly is expected to commence a review of the state’s anti-kidnapping law to explicitly provide for the death penalty by hanging as punishment for convicted kidnappers.
“The governor, being a lover of the rule of law, will not act arbitrarily like in some other states. Due process in the court will be followed before any demolition or execution,” Ajulo emphasized.
He added that the move is also intended to reassure investors of their safety and that of their investments, as the state prioritizes security and rule of law.
Meanwhile, Ondo becomes the second Nigerian state in 2025 to declare death by hanging as the ultimate penalty for kidnapping. Earlier in April, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also announced that convicted kidnappers in the state would face execution by hanging.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his commitment to signing death warrants and enforcing the newly amended Kidnapping Prohibition Law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly. He warned that properties used in criminal activities would be confiscated and demolished, and the lands repurposed for security infrastructure.
“I will not be afraid to sign execution orders. We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness, according to the laws already passed,” the Edo governor had stated.
