Williams Uchemba calls for public execution of kidnappers
Nollywood actor Williams Uchemba has sparked controversy after calling on the Nigerian government to enforce public executions for convicted kidnappers. In a video shared on social media, he argued that visible and severe consequences are needed to deter the rising wave of abductions in the country.
In the footage, Uchemba expressed his frustration with what he described as the country’s lack of follow-through on capital punishment for serious crimes like kidnapping. He said that although the constitution of Nigeria provides for the death penalty in cases of kidnapping, the law is rarely executed. He cited countries like China, where he claimed death sentences for such offences act as a strong deterrent.
He emphasized that when criminals are arrested but their punishment or execution is not made public, it sends a message of impunity and emboldens others to commit similar crimes. He went as far as saying there should be a dedicated television channel documenting the arrest and public execution of convicted kidnappers, so the public sees the consequences of criminal acts.
His remarks come against the backdrop of increasing kidnapping incidents across Nigeria, particularly ahead of the festive season, when security concerns typically escalate. Many citizens are demanding more decisive action from authorities. Uchemba’s statements have generated mixed reactions—some support his hard-line stance, while others raise concerns about due process, human rights and the risk of miscarriages of justice.
Critics argue that calls for public execution disregard legal safeguards and could undermine rule of law. They caution that while the desire to curb kidnapping is understandable, the solution must still respect constitutional rights, organised judicial processes and avoid vigilante or populist excesses. Supporters, on the other hand, say the severity of the kidnapping crisis warrants radical measures.
