Nigeria, Nov. 27 -- A bill seeking to amend Nigeria's Anti-Terrorism Act to prescribe a death penalty without the option of a fine, for all kidnapping offences, has passed first reading in the Senate.

The bill, titled "Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB.969)," was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

It was introduced in the upper chamber on Thursday and scheduled for second reading.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the first reading of the bill after a majority of lawmakers supported it through a voice vote during plenary.

The introduction of the amendment marks the first stage of Nigeria's legislative process.

Every bill, whether executive or private...