The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has taken a firm step against rising insecurity by approving the death penalty for anyone found guilty of kidnapping. This decision came after the latest meeting of the Ondo State Executive Council, where top officials gathered to discuss how to handle growing safety concerns in the region.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, who spoke on behalf of Governor Aiyedatiwa, explained the reason behind the new decision.
“We have decided to introduce the death penalty for kidnappers,” Ajulo said during the meeting, held on Saturday, June 21, 2025. He noted that this is a bold move to improve the safety of the people and send a clear message to criminals who make life difficult for innocent residents.
The state has witnessed a wave of abductions in recent times. Victims are often killed even after their families pay large sums in ransom. These frequent and deadly incidents have caused fear among the people and raised pressure on the government to act quickly.
According to Ajulo, the governor believes that the seriousness of the situation calls for stronger legal action. He noted that kidnapping and cultism are now some of the biggest problems in Ondo, and stronger laws are needed to tackle them. “This decision will help discourage criminals and give people more confidence in their safety,” he said.
Ajulo also revealed that the government plans to send a formal proposal to the House of Assembly. This proposal will include full details on how the death sentence will be applied and ensure that the new punishment is backed by law. He noted that the state is committed to using legal tools to fight crime and maintain peace.
