**Asks Lawmakers To Focus On Receivers Of Ransom
The federal government has kicked against the criminalization of ransom payment to kidnappers and terrorists, to secure the release of hostages.
The government through the representatives of the Nigerian Navy and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that instead of outright criminalisation, negotiation or payment of ransom should be subjected to security vetting.
A representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral KO Egbuchulam, who spoke at a public hearing on Terrorism Prevention Act (Amendment) Bill 2021, which seeks to outlaw payment of ransom to secure the release of captives, said that “that subjecting such payment of ransom to security vetting and tracking is preferable to outright criminalization.”
According to him, Section 14 of the bill provides that, “Anyone who transfers funds, makes payment or colludes with an abductor, kidnapper or terrorist to receive any ransom for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped is guilty of a felony and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years.”
He stated: “Suggested that the Bill could make the negotiation/proposed payment of ransom to kidnappers or terrorists to secure the release of hostages subject to the prior knowledge of ONSA/Armed Forces of Nigeria/Police for coordination.”
On its part, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by the Director, Legal and Prosecution Department, Chile Okoroma commended most provisions in the Bill, while also insisting against the prosecution of ransom payers, saying it should be narrowed down to those who received the ransom, and not those that paid it.
According to him, the bill on Terrorism is well intended, but the issue of prosecuting those that paid ransom should be looked at , it should be narrowed to those who received payment for ransom.
But, Nigerian Correctional Service in its presentation agreed with all provisions of the bill including the Prosecution of anyone that paid the ransom.
In his opening remarks, Senator Bamidele said “The Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 202 The Bill was sponsored by Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East Senatorial District).
“The Bill, among other things, seeks to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 in order to outlaw the payment of ransom to abductors, kidnappers and terrorists for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned or kidnapped.”
The hearing was organized by Senate Committees Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; and Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
