LEGAL REFLECTIONS ON THE DOWNSIDES OF GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION AS A BOOST TO CRIME OF KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The advent of global system for mobile communication otherwise called GSM is no doubt a mixed blessing to humanity. Just as the relevant security agencies are appropriating the benefits offered by the global system for mobile communication in the policing, detecting and preventing acts of criminality in the society, so also the criminal elements are beneficially misusing the communication device for criminal purposes. It is a known fact that crime is continually evolving and adapting. Kidnapping as a form of crime in Nigeria is not novel as there were reported cases of kidnapping even before the advent of colonialism for either rape, ritual or hostage taking during tribal conflicts among other reasons which then certainly excluded ransom payment. The current spate of crime of kidnapping for ransom is however one of the misfortunes unleashed on the citizenry through the advent of mobile communication device. Kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria would have been a fruitless criminal indulgence but for the advent of global system for mobile communication through which kidnappers are able to establish contact with relatives or family members of their victims to demand, for ransom payment. The diametrically opposing usage of this communication device as a handy tool in the hands of law enforcement agents towards checkmating crimes in the society and as a tool of criminal engagement for committing crime of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria constitutes the thrust of this paper. This study concluded that despite the efforts of government in curbing this menace, it has remained a thorn in the flesh of victims and their relatives.