Nigeria to give life sentence to unlicensed explosives producers

A bill supporting life imprisonment without the option of a fine has been approved by the Nigerian senate and is now in effect.

The passing of the bill on on Wednesday followed the consideration and adoption of a report by a senate committee on solid minerals, mines, steel development and metallurgy, local media reported.

The lawmakers said criminals were getting more innovative in the use of explosives to perpetrate crimes.

They said suicide bombers had killed dozens of Nigerians using explosives.

The bill will be debated by the House of Representatives before being forwarded for presidential assent.

Most of the explosives used by insurgents are reportedly made from ammonium nitrate and carbamide, which are locally available.