Tackling Kidnapping and Cultism in Edo State through Beneficial Ownership Transparency and a Centralized Tenancy Database

Edo State, like many parts of Nigeria, is grappling with the twin scourges of kidnapping and cultism. These criminal enterprises thrive in anonymity—hidden faces behind rented properties, shadowy deals between landlords and tenants, and a general lack of accountability in housing arrangements. It is time for a robust, data-driven intervention that addresses these gaps. One promising solution lies in applying beneficial ownership transparency laws and creating a centralized database of tenants and landlords.

Why Housing Transparency Matters

Criminal networks need safe spaces to operate. Kidnappers and cultists often rent residential properties under false identities or through intermediaries, making it nearly impossible for law enforcement agencies to track their whereabouts. Landlords, whether complicit or simply negligent, are rarely held accountable for their role—however passive—in providing shelter to criminal elements.

Implementing a beneficial ownership regime in the real estate sector can change this. Beneficial ownership refers to the individuals who ultimately own or control an asset, even if it is held in another name. By requiring landlords and property managers to disclose their true identities and the identities of their tenants, the Edo State government can peel back the layers of anonymity that shield criminal behavior.

A Centralized Database: A Tool for Safety and Accountability

The establishment of a centralized digital database of tenants and landlords is a practical and powerful step forward. Such a system would record verified personal and identification details of all property owners and tenants across the state, updated regularly and made accessible to law enforcement and government regulatory agencies.

This database would serve multiple critical functions:
1. Crime Prevention and Investigation: Law enforcement can swiftly identify individuals connected to criminal hideouts or properties used for nefarious activities.
2. Deterrence: Knowing that their identities and those of their tenants are on record, landlords will be more cautious about who they rent to, and potential criminals may be discouraged from operating in the state.
3. Regulatory Oversight: Government authorities can better monitor housing conditions, enforce zoning laws, and collect property taxes more efficiently.
4. Community Safety: Local communities will benefit from knowing that their neighborhoods are monitored and safer, leading to greater trust and cooperation with the authorities.

Implementation Strategies

To implement such a transformative system, the Edo State Government should take the following steps:
• Legislate mandatory disclosure: Enact state-level regulations that require landlords to register their properties and provide verified details of all tenants.
• Leverage technology: Develop a secure, user-friendly online platform for registration and data management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Work with traditional rulers, estate agents, community leaders, and civil society organizations to drive awareness and compliance.
• Protect privacy: Ensure the data is used strictly for security and governance purposes, with clear rules on access and privacy protections.
• Pilot and scale: Begin with high-risk areas and scale across the state, learning and adjusting as needed.

Conclusion: A Safer Edo is Possible

Security is not solely the responsibility of the police or the military. It begins with governance, data, and transparency. By embracing beneficial ownership transparency and creating a centralized tenancy database, Edo State can strike at the very roots of kidnapping and cultism—anonymity and impunity.

Let us not wait for the next tragedy. The time to act is now.

Rev. David Ugolor,
Executive Director
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)