A former United Nations human rights envoy has called on the Nigerian Senate to remove the death penalty from laws dealing with kidnapping. According to the envoy, executing offenders does not solve the root causes of kidnapping and may worsen human rights concerns in the country.

He explained that harsh punishments have not stopped the crime, as kidnapping continues despite existing laws. Instead, he advised lawmakers to focus on better policing, intelligence gathering, speedy trials, and social reforms that address poverty and unemployment, which often drive criminal activities.

The former UN official also warned that the death penalty could lead to wrongful executions, especially in a system where investigations and prosecutions are sometimes flawed. He stressed that justice should protect society while also respecting the right to life and fair trial standards.

Reacting to the call, some legal experts say Nigeria needs a balanced approach that punishes offenders firmly but avoids extreme measures. The debate is expected to continue at the National Assembly as lawmakers review security laws and strategies to curb kidnapping across the country.