Plateau state government is set to do away with the penal code laws of Northern Nigeria of 1963 that are now considered archaic laws.
The State government said it has repackaged her first Penal code laws, criminal procedure laws as a deliberate policy geared towards reforming the criminal justice system in Plateau state.
The implications of these new laws are that stiffer penalties awaits those whose stock in trade is to abuse and rape young girls below the ages of 18 and those who indulge in the sales and consumption of elicits Drinks, also known as “Goskolo, Ogogolo, Kainkai or Push-me-I- push-you etc”.
The decision to amend theses laws was said to have been taken In an expanded state executive council meeting presided by Governor Janah Jang, with attendance the Traditional leaders headed by the Gbong Gwom Jos, Gyang Buba in attendance.
Also present were Judicial Authorities, Leaders of the NBA in Jos and Pankshin branch, magistrates, representatives of the Nigeria prison service and the Police Commissioner.
The state commissioner for information and communication, Bar. Mrs. Olivie Dazyem said the council has already approved the new laws for the onwards transmission to the state House of Assembly.
She said the new laws are necessary in view of the contemporary realities, stressing that, “the penal code law of 1963 were meant for the operation of northern Nigeria and these laws are considered archaic. Apart from that, they do not meet the current realities”.
Throwing more light on the laws, Edward Pwajok, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Plateau state, said they decided to review the laws because of the criminal tendencies in the country today which are not covered by these laws.
He said the new laws are an intensive research work which started six years ago, which has come out stiff penalties for criminals.
“The minimum fine for person convicted in any court in Plateau state is N10,000.00 and there is no minimum. If you are convicted for stealing N20bn, the court has the latitude to fine you N1bn and above. There is no maximum Traditional Authorities”.
Speaking on the offenses of rape, Pwajok, says the society has observed with concern the magnitude of rapes and has liberalized the ingredients for the prove of rapes, stressing that, the old law is that you need collaboration, that is to say, you need another witness to say yes, I saw this man committing this rape”.
“Now, it is immaterial to have a witness. Once you have sex with any Lady below the age of 18, whether with her consent or not, you are liable for 21 years imprisonment or life imprisonment”.
He however warned dealers of elicit drinks to desist from such, saying the law seek to punish the sellers and the manufacturers and have the products confiscated and destroyed.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
