FCT minister Nyesom Wike has called for stringent laws to check crimes in Abuja.

Mr Wike, who made the call whiile addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, complained that the penalty in the current law is not enough to discourage criminals.

He said a criminal who vandalised solar-powered streetlights in Abuja only has to pay a N30,000 fine.

“What I am saying is that legislation should be put in place where it will no longer be easy for criminals to operate. If you are caught and the penalty is heavy, it gives you an option not to either participate in crime or pay a heavy penalty when caught.

“If for example you are caught and the penalty is N10 million, how many people can afford to pay N10 million for just one solar panel?  So, that will be a deterrent.

“This is why the legislators need to amend the laws and not to give a loophole where criminals will capitalise on and continue to perpetuate crime,” Mr Wike said.

The FCT minister urged Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, to consider initiating a review of existing laws in Abuja to make the punishments stiffer.

According to him, such a move will complement the efforts of the security agencies.

(NAN)