Capital punishment in Nigeria
Capital punishment, also called the death penalty is a controversial issue in Nigeria, although it is a form of constitutional punishment in the country.[1] This method of punishment which include hanging, shooting and stoning is carried out on crimes ranging from murder, terrorism-related offenses, rape, robbery, kidnapping, same-sex marriage, treason, and mutiny. Since 2006, Nigeria had not carried out an execution until in 2013 when four prisoners who were in death row were executed.[2] In a 2014 research made by Amnesty International, about 697 people were sentenced to death by firing squad or by hanging.[3] On 17 December 2014, about 54 Nigerian soldiers were sentenced to death by firing squad after they were found guilty of mutiny.[4]
Criticism
The use of death penalty in Nigeria has generated mixed opinions among people in the society.[5] Some people find this form of punishment as a tool which violates the human rights to live which is considered as a fundamental human right.[6] Public activists also see this type of punishment as a tool meant to discrimate the masses.[7]
In recent years, there have been protests and calls from reputable organizations including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the abolition of capital punishment in the country.[8] In October 2014, former Governor of Delta State Emmanuel Uduaghan pardoned three inmates who were on death row following the recommendations by the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.[9]
See also
Further reading
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References
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Further reading
- Whitehead, Eleanor. "Nigeria's addiction to the death sentence." Al Jazeera. August 11, 2015.
External links
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