As a test case for the law of Anti-kidnapping Bill 2013, which came into force April 17, 2013 in Delta State, imposing a death sentence on any person convicted of kidnapping in the state, High Court of Justice sitting in Asaba, yesterday, sentenced two persons to death by hanging. The two condemned criminal were found guilty of kidnapping and robbing a female magistrate at gunpoint on Boxing Day two years ago.
The convicted persons, Saidu Haruna and Raphael Egwuba were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping and armed robbery on charge no A/37C/2012.
The female magistrate, on December 26, 2011, while driving into her compound at noon, was abducted by the armed men, dispossessed her of her valuables, used her ATM to withdraw money but, were caught in the process.
However, as much as kidnapping is bad, if the conviction was base on the new law, was the offence which they are now condemned carry death sentence at the time of commission? This question need to be answered for justice to be seen manifestly done.
Of course, Governor Uduagha had kicked against death sentence for kidnappers in the state but, the House of Assembly vetoed his withheld assent. And to carry out order of execution, same Governor needs to sign it before the convict can be hanged
Of course, Governor Uduagha had kicked against death sentence for kidnappers in the state but, the House of Assembly vetoed his withheld assent. And to carry out order of execution, same Governor needs to sign it before the convict can be hanged
