Sen Onyewuchi Under Fire From Nigerians Over Bill Seeking To Imprison For 15yrs Citizens Who Transfer Funds, Make Payment To Gain Freedom From Abductors, Kidnappers, Terrorists.
A bill ; 'Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Bill' sponsored by Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi representing Imo East had passed second reading.
Onyewuchi at the floor of the senate on Wednesday May 19th 2021 while speaking said, the proposed amendment bill seeks to replace section 14, stressing that he now wants the section to read ;
" Anyone who transfers funds, makes payment or collides with an abductor, kidnapper or terrorist to receive any ransom for the release of any person wrongfully confined imprisoned or kidnapped is guilty of Felony and is liable on conviction to a term of Imprisonment of not less than 15 years. "
According to Onyewuchi, Nigerian Youths who are unemployed now see Kidnapping as a means of livelihood stressing the implications.
" Some blame the rise of this criminal activity on poverty, religion, politics, deficiency of existing laws, unemployment, connivance of security agents, corruption, greed, among others.
" Our unemployed youths are also turning to Kidnapping to get money (ransom) as survival strategy.
" Whatever the reason, it is most obvious that Kidnapping in Nigeria puts everyone at risk, the rich, the poor, old, young, male and female, foreigner or indigene, expatriate or non-expatriate, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among others.
" Payment of terrorist ransom is illegal under the UK Terrorism Act 2000 while the USA adheres to a strict no-concessions policy on the the payment of ransom."
The bill was subsequently put on a voice vote by the senate president Ahmad Lawan and passed second reading and was referred to the committee on judiciary.
A report is expected back to the plenary in 4weeks.
Nigerians have taken to various social media platforms to react to Senator Onyewuchi and the Nigerian Senate.
Below are some reactions :
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