Death Penalty: Governor Matawalle Speaks After Signing Bill To Curb Banditry

Zamfara State Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has given clarification on the death penalty for those convicted for banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and cultism in the state.

The bill which was passed by the  Zamfara State House of Assembly prohibits and punishes terrorists, cattle rustling, cultism, kidnapping and other incidental offences and was signed on Wednesday into law.

Speaking on the development, Governor Matawalle stated that under the law, anyone found guilty of aiding or abetting the crimes mentioned was liable to life imprisonment, twenty years imprisonment or ten years imprisonment without the option of fine.

"The new law provides that any person found guilty of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, Cultism or being an informant to the bandits is liable to the death penalty.

“Under the law, anyone found guilty of aiding and or abetting the crimes mentioned is liable to life imprisonment, twenty years imprisonment or ten years imprisonment without option of fine.

“The most fundamental focus of governance anywhere in the world is security", he said.