Onoja Calls for Expedited Trials, Death Penalty for Convicted Kidnappers, Bandits in Kogi

By Olushola Akinyele

Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja, has called for the introduction of an expedited trial framework for kidnapping and banditry cases in the state, proposing that trials be concluded within three to seven days where practicable.

Onoja made the call in a statement shared on his social media handle, while reflecting on measures adopted by the administration he served in 2016 to tackle insecurity across the state, Presstv News Nigeria can report.

According to him, the administration took decisive steps against kidnapping through legislation prescribing severe punishment, the demolition of identified kidnappers hideouts and the clearing of between 20 and 40 metres on both sides of major highways to expose criminal hideouts and improve visibility for motorists.

He also recalled that he personally supported security operations by providing patrol vans to strengthen regular patrols in local government areas affected by kidnapping.

Onoja said the measures contributed to a significant reduction in kidnapping at the time, but argued that recent security developments required additional measures.

He therefore urged the Kogi State Government, working with the State House of Assembly, to consider an expedited trial framework for kidnapping and banditry cases.

He proposed that, where practicable, trials should be concluded within three to seven days, with convicted offenders subjected to the full weight of the law.

Onoja further advocated the application of the death penalty in cases where it is prescribed by law and constitutionally permissible, while extending accountability to persons found through due process to have sponsored or collaborated in kidnapping and banditry.

“Kogi must remain hostile territory for kidnappers, bandits, their sponsors and collaborators,” he said.

His proposal comes amid renewed discussions on measures to strengthen security and judicial responses to criminal activities in Kogi State.

Onoja served as Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor from 2016 before becoming Deputy Governor in 2019, a position he held until January 2024.