THE CRIMINALISATION OF PAYMENT OF RANSOM TO KIDNAPPERS IN NIGERIA: A STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

Abstract

Section 14 (2b) of 1999 Nigeria Constitution stipulates that the welfare and security of the citizens shall be theprimary purpose of the government. This provision imposes a constitutional obligation on the Nigeriangovernment at all levels to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, irrespective of their ethnic, religious,and political affiliations. This piece finds that the recent amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention) Act by theNigerian Senate which prohibits the payment of ransom to kidnappers and prescribes 15 years imprisonment forfamilies and friends of kidnapped victims who contribute money to free loved ones is antithetical to Section 14(2)of the Constitution and is a disproportionate response to the security challenges in the country. In fact, thisamendment endangers the lives of those kidnapped. This paper, therefore, urges the National Assembly to have arethink and offer a more proportionate response to the kidnappings and general insecurity in the Country.