The Katsina State Government has said Kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling are now to attract death penalty in the State under a new dispensation announced by Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
Governor Aminu Masari, who signed the amended Penal Code into law, said rape offences would attract life imprisonment. The move is to check the rising wave of crimes in the state.
Masari told reporters in Katsina that the state government decided to be tough on criminals because of the security challenges facing the state. Masari signed into law the state’s revised penal codes on crime and criminality.
The signing preceded the valedictory session of the State Executive Council (SEC). The new law also prescribes life jail and fine for rapists.
The Governor declared that the law was necessitated by the spate of killings and other banditry attacks in the state.
He said: “We are all aware that Katsina State is currently faced with security challenges hence the need to revisit our penal and procedural laws to deal with any suspect that may be found wanting.
“The laws signed today, particularly, the section dealing with kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, rape and other related offences are now made capital offences.
“Cattle rustling and kidnapping now carry the maximum penalty which is death sentences, while the offence of rape now carries life imprisonment.”
Masari said government hoped that the imposition of the capital punishment would serve as a deterrent to criminals.
Source: dailyadvent