Enugu to take over property used by kidnappers

 

Enugu State Government is set to amend its Criminal Code to provide for the seizure of any property used as a hideout by kidnappers, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, has said.

Briefing newsmen on Saturday in Enugu on the outcome of the state executive council meeting held late Friday,  Udeuhele said the move was to deter kidnappers.

He said the council had empowered the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to forward an amendment bill of the state’s criminal  law to the state legislature.

“Approval was given to the amendment of Section 315 of the Criminal Code Law, 2004 of Enugu State that was amended in 2009.

“The latest amendment provides for additional punishment of demolishing buildings used in the imprisonment of kidnap victims in order to deter kidnappers and their accomplices from this nefarious act.

“If kidnap victims are traced to a building and you are found guilty upon determination of the case, such building will be demolished and government takes over the piece of land. No compensation,” he said.

The commissioner said that the move would make developers to be more conscious of their uncompleted projects, which unknown to them, could easily be turned to den of kidnappers.

“If you built your house and left it porous for kidnappers or connive with them to use such buildings to hide their victims and you are found guilty, government pulls it down and takes over,” he said.