Popular Nollywood actor Williams Uchemba has ignited controversy by calling for the public execution of kidnappers in Nigeria, as the country continues to struggle with a surge in abductions.
Uchemba, known for his film roles and social activism, made his remarks during a public comment addressing the rising tide of kidnapping-for-ransom. He argued that harsh, visible punishment is needed to deter the criminal networks he says are terrorising citizens.
“In our country, the time for leniency is over,” Uchemba declared. “Kidnappers should feel the fear of punishment — publicly.”
His statement comes at a time when civil-rights groups and state governments are increasingly pressing for stricter penalties against kidnappers. For example, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the federal government to classify kidnapping as terrorism and make it a capital offence.
In one state, Edo State, the governor publicly vowed to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers under a new law prescribing execution.
The actor’s call for public execution raises several key issues: how Nigeria balances enforcement, civil rights, and due process; whether harsher punishments provide meaningful deterrents; and what risks might be posed by vigilante or extrajudicial measures.
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At present, there is no official indication that Uchemba’s demand has triggered any legislative proposal or government action specifically tied to his comments. Security agencies and government officials have not yet responded to his statement in the public domain.
What Next?
Observers will watch whether Uchemba’s remarks spark legislative action, if security agencies adopt more visible measures, or if civil society contests the idea of public execution on human rights grounds. Meanwhile, the kidnapping crisis remains a potent flashpoint for national debate.
