Williams Uchemba Calls for Public Executions to Curb Kidnapping in Nigeria

Williams Uchemba

Actor and filmmaker Williams Uchemba has urged the Nigerian government to adopt public executions for convicted kidnappers, insisting that visible punishment is the only way to end the rising wave of abductions across the country.

In a recent video shared on his Instagram page, Uchemba criticised what he described as the government’s failure to enforce capital punishment despite the law prescribing death for kidnapping. He argued that the absence of clear consequences has emboldened criminals to act without fear.

“The capital punishment for kidnapping is death, yet when offenders are arrested we hardly hear what happens afterwards,” he said.

“If you ask me, there should even be a dedicated TV channel showing the arrest and public execution of convicted kidnappers. Until real consequences are enforced, nothing will change.”

Uchemba further pointed to China as an example, noting that the Asian country’s strict enforcement of the death penalty for major crimes like kidnapping and corruption has helped maintain its low crime rate.

His statement comes amid a growing spike in kidnapping cases across Nigeria, especially as the festive season approaches — a time often associated with increased criminal activity.

He urged authorities to take decisive action, stressing that enforcing justice publicly would serve as a strong deterrent and restore citizens’ trust in the system.