Williams Uchemba Calls for Public Execution to End Kidnapping in Nigeria
Nigerian actor and philanthropist Williams Uchemba has called for the public execution of convicted kidnappers, arguing that such drastic measures could help curb the rising wave of abductions across the country.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, the actor stressed that the Nigerian government must strictly enforce its constitution and introduce tougher penalties for serious crimes like kidnapping. He compared the situation to parenting, noting that when wrongdoing goes unpunished, it breeds a culture of impunity.
“When a child begins to steal meat from the mother’s pot and the mother does very little in terms of punishment, what she’s doing is raising a hardened criminal who could eventually destroy her life or bring shame to the family,” Uchemba said.
He further argued that public executions would serve as a deterrent to others and suggested that such acts be broadcast on a dedicated channel, much like the popular reality TV show Big Brother Naija. According to him, this level of public accountability would make citizens more aware of the consequences of crime.
Uchemba pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution already prescribes the death penalty for kidnapping, but lamented that the process is often carried out in secrecy, with the public rarely hearing about the fate of convicted kidnappers.
“We have a constitution that governs this country, yet when it’s time to enforce it, we go silent. The punishment for kidnapping is death. Some of these criminals are caught, but we don’t know what happens next. There should be a public process so people can see justice being done,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons with China, Uchemba praised the Asian nation’s strict enforcement of laws against kidnapping and corruption, where offenders often face capital punishment. “We want to be like China, but we don’t have the courage China has. In China, the punishment for kidnapping and corruption is death,” he concluded.
His comments come amid rising cases of kidnapping across Nigeria, sparking debates about whether capital punishment could truly serve as a deterrent. Other public figures, such as Ruger, have also called for improved security and stronger law enforcement, especially ahead of the festive season when abductions tend to increase.
