Actor Williams Uchemba Demands Public Execution Of Kidnappers As He Calls For Visible Justice To Curb Insecurity Nationwide

 

Nigerian actor Williams Uchemba has reignited debate over crime and punishment by calling on the federal government to sanction public executions of convicted kidnappers. In a viral video posted on social media, he insisted that unless the consequences of serious crimes like kidnapping are made highly visible, the threat of violence will continue to grow unchecked.

According to Uchemba, the absence of swift and public punishments sends the message that kidnapping is a low-risk crime, thereby emboldening criminals. He drew an analogy that when a child steals meat from the pot and the parent does little beyond a scolding, the child becomes hardened and eventually turns into a threat to society. In the same way, he argued, the nation is failing by not visibly enforcing the harshest penalties.

He reminded viewers of the country’s constitution, saying that if those who drafted it were vocal about enforcing its provisions, there would be no ambiguity when it comes to punishment. Uchemba pointed out that kidnapping is punishable by death under Nigerian law, yet many of those arrested for such crimes face neither execution nor visible deterrents. He proposed that there should even be a dedicated television channel, similar to reality shows, that broadcasts the capture and public execution of convicted kidnappers, arguing that only then would potential offenders take the law seriously.

Uchemba also cited China as a contrasting example. According to him, the Asian nation has remained firm and disciplined because it enforces its laws without hesitation. “We want to be like China but we do not have the balls that China has,” he declared, referring to China’s harsh punishments for crimes such as corruption and kidnapping. His comments have rapidly drawn widespread attention both online and offline, stirring a mix of agreement and outrage among Nigerians.

Many Nigerians applauded his boldness, saying his remarks reflect the frustration of citizens who are tired of insecurity and government inaction. They believe visible and decisive punishments could reduce crime and restore public confidence. On the other hand, critics have condemned his stance as extreme, warning that public executions violate human rights and could lead to wrongful deaths if due process is not strictly observed. Some also argue that such measures would not address the underlying causes of crime such as poverty, unemployment and social inequality.

Legal experts have since weighed in on the discussion, noting that while kidnapping can attract the death penalty under certain state laws, public executions could breach both Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory. They also caution that an emphasis on spectacle over justice may weaken the credibility of the judiciary and invite global condemnation.

Despite these concerns, Uchemba’s words have struck a chord with many who feel helpless in the face of increasing kidnappings across the country. The wave of abductions in recent years has left countless families traumatized, and the perception that kidnappers go unpunished has deepened public anger. His call for more visible consequences reflects a broader cry for accountability and justice within a system many believe is too slow and lenient.

Although the federal government has not officially responded to Uchemba’s statement, the renewed attention on his message adds pressure on authorities to take stronger action against kidnapping and organized crime. The conversation also raises questions about how justice should be dispensed in a modern democracy struggling with insecurity, corruption and a fragile justice system.

Williams Uchemba’s remarks, whether viewed as a passionate plea or a controversial proposition, have undeniably ignited national discourse on how far Nigeria is willing to go to ensure justice and deterrence. His call exposes a deep frustration shared by millions and forces the country to confront a difficult question: Should punishment be made public to prove that the law still has power, or should reform focus on the roots of crime rather than its spectacle?

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