Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Government to apply the same strict penalties used against kidnappers’ hideouts to properties linked to corruption and public fund mismanagement.

In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, Sowore argued that corruption should be treated as a serious crime with consequences equal to those faced by violent offenders.

He said that if the government believes buildings used for criminal activities should be demolished, then the same rule should apply to politicians and public officials accused of looting public funds.

According to him, corruption is not a victimless crime, as it deprives citizens of access to healthcare, education, jobs, and basic infrastructure.

“There is no reason why the demolition of houses should be limited only to kidnappers,” Sowore stated.

He further explained that public theft should be viewed as a form of “economic kidnapping” because it indirectly affects millions of Nigerians by denying them essential services.

“Public treasury looting is a form of kidnapping too. It kidnaps healthcare, education, jobs, infrastructure, and the future of millions of Nigerians,” he said.

Sowore also insisted that any public official found guilty of embezzling funds should face the same level of punishment, including the demolition of properties acquired through stolen wealth.

His comments come shortly after the Oyo State Government demolished a building in Ibadan allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The building, located in the Lako Community area of Oluyole Local Government Area, was pulled down less than 48 hours after the victims were rescued by security operatives.

The state government described the action as part of its zero-tolerance policy against kidnapping and criminal activities.

Sowore’s remarks have since sparked renewed debate on whether Nigeria’s anti-crime measures should also extend more aggressively to corruption-related offences.