Plateau Lawmakers Propose Bill to Demolish Criminal Buildings

A bill titled “A Bill for a Law to Prohibit the Use of Buildings for Serious Criminal Activities and to Provide for the Forfeiture or Demolition of Such Buildings in Plateau State, and for Related Matters” has been introduced in the Plateau State House of Assembly. The bill is sponsored by Hon. Eli Bako Ankala and co-sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, along with Hon. Joseph Gokum, Hon. Abel Nimchak, and Hon. Mathew Kwarpo.

The legislation aims to discourage the use of residential and commercial buildings for serious crimes such as kidnapping, ritual killings, and terrorism, while promoting public safety. It stipulates that if a building is proven to have been used for such offenses, a court may order its forfeiture or demolition.

Safeguards are included to protect innocent property owners, stating that no building shall be demolished unless the owner knowingly permitted criminal activity. The bill mandates that demolition orders be executed within 48 hours and encourages landlords to maintain accurate records and report suspicious activities.