Senate seeks life imprisonment for illegal explosives manufacturers

A bill that mandates life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine for illegal explosives makers in the nation has passed the Senate.

The bill, which was passed and will become law upon receiving President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval, aims to control the nation’s production, use, importation, sale, and possession of explosives.

Yesterday, Section 11 of the bill that seeks to repeal the Explosives Act of 1964 and re-enact the Explosives Act was read for the third time and passed. It recommends life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine as a punishment for anyone who manufactures explosives illegally in the nation.

The passage was sequel to the presentation, consideration and adoption of report by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy, chaired by Senator Tanko Al-Makura, APC, Nasarawa South.

Senator Adelere Oriolowo, APC, Osun who presented the report on behalf of the committee chairman, said that the problem associated with the use, shipment, manufacture, sale and possession of explosives is huge.

The passed bill states that, “any person who unlawfully manufactures any explosives, commit an offence and is liable to conviction to life imprisonment without an option of fine”.

Oriolowo who noted that criminals were getting more innovative in the use of explosives to perpetrate crimes, said that suicide bombers had killed dozens of Nigerians using explosives.

According to him, there was the need to put offenders in their place so that illegality associated with explosives would be reduced to the bearest minimum.

He said, “The Explosives Act of 1964 was prepared to meet the situation as at that time. The penalties and fines in the act were too mild compared to the gravity of the offenses being committed by explosive users nowadays.

“In line with this, the passing of the bill to checkmate the abuse and menace posed by its use by criminal groups, insurgents and non-state actors is justified.

“The manufacture, storage and use of explosives are not to be an all comers affairs and should be closely regulated. The penalties provided in the bill will serve as deterrence to offenders.”