Akpabio Proposes ‘Know Your Tenant’ Law To Curb K!dnapping, Human Traff!cking

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has proposed a “Know Your Tenant” law requiring landlords to verify the identities of their tenants as part of efforts to curb kidnapping, child trafficking and other criminal activities in Nigeria.

Akpabio made the proposal during plenary yesterday in Abuja, while the Senate considered recommendations on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya.

He called for stricter tenancy regulations, including measures to ensure that landlords keep verifiable records of occupants in their properties, arguing that the absence of reliable identification could make it difficult for security agencies to trace suspects after crimes are committed.

“This one we can say, know your tenant. Let’s make the necessary law for the FCT, for instance,” Akpabio said.

He also proposed tighter regulations for short-let apartments, insisting that occupants should provide valid means of identification to enable authorities to trace individuals suspected of criminal activities.

The Senate President said the National Assembly should consider legislation for the Federal Capital Territory, while state governments and Houses of Assembly could adopt similar measures within their respective jurisdictions.

Akpabio’s proposal followed discussions on a joint report by the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Foreign Affairs, and Special Duties on measures to protect Nigerians from human trafficking and exploitation, particularly in Libya.

The Senate subsequently approved recommendations to strengthen anti-trafficking legislation, investigate suspected trafficking networks, increase funding for relevant agencies and establish a national reintegration programme for rescued victims.

Explaining the need for stronger security measures, Akpabio recounted a case involving three children allegedly abducted in Akwa Ibom State and moved through several locations before being rescued by the police.

According to him, the children were taken to Aba, Katsina and Lagos as suspected traffickers allegedly attempted to sell them before arranging to move them to Ghana.

He said the children had been missing for about 93 days before the police traced their movements and rescued them.

Akpabio commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for their roles in the operation.

He also disclosed that he had asked the police to arrange a meeting with the eldest child, who reportedly warned prospective buyers that the Senate President was searching for them.

“I’ve promised myself that when I see the child, I will give that child scholarship to university level,” he said.

The Senate President said the case demonstrated the need for improved intelligence gathering, effective law enforcement and stronger measures to prevent children from falling into the hands of traffickers.

He warned that human trafficking was not limited to Nigerians being taken abroad, noting that children were also abducted and moved between states within the country.

Akpabio further urged lawmakers to strengthen existing laws and ensure that security agencies could investigate and prosecute offenders effectively.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South Senatorial District supported the need for improved regulation of tenancy arrangements, recounting his previous efforts to introduce legislation requiring the registration of tenants and rental properties.

Tambuwal told the Senate that, while serving as Speaker, he had drafted a bill on the subject and circulated it to state Houses of Assembly, but none passed it at the time.