Plateau State Government is set to approve new state laws that will replace the Northern Nigeria Laws of 1963. The commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Olivia Dazyem said so after the state executive meeting in Jos.

Dazyem said that the new laws will be sent to the state assembly for approval. She added that the new law was deliberated after two sessions of the state executive council meeting and was witnessed by dignitaries from the state. The commissioner said it was essential for the laws to be changed so as to reflect the reality of modern times.

Plateau State Government is set to approve new state laws that will replace the Northern Nigeria Laws of 1963. The commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Olivia Dazyem said so after the state executive meeting in Jos.

Dazyem said that the new laws will be sent to the state assembly for approval. She added that the new law was deliberated after two sessions of the state executive council meeting and was witnessed by dignitaries from the state. The commissioner said it was essential for the laws to be changed so as to reflect the reality of modern times.

The commissioner said the laws were outdated as it has been used for the past 50 years in Northern Nigeria. She said that there were deliberations between stakeholders after vital issues were raised by the state Attorney-General.

State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Edward Pwajok stated that extensive consultations started six years ago. He highlighted some of the laws and said the minimum sentence for rape is now 21 years or life imprisonment. He said further that anyone who has sex with anyone below 18 years with or without consent will be charged for rape.

The commissioner for Justice added that anyone who sells or consume the local gin known as “goskolo” will be arrested and prosecuted. He warned those selling the gin to desist as the property used in selling be forfeited to government or even demolished. He said that under the new law, those sentenced to death by court could be killed by hanging, electrocution or lethal injections.

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Plateau state approves new laws to replace outdated Northern Nigeria penal codes