Nigeria: Stakeholders Push Governors to End Indefinite Death Row Detention
Nigeria's criminal justice stakeholders have advised state governors to promptly execute condemned prisoners, ending the practice of indefinite detention. This comes amidst concerns about the high number of prisoners awaiting execution and the lack of presidential refusal to sign death sentences since 1999.
Governors' reluctance to sign death warrants has been attributed to various factors. Some, like Mr. Mutalubi Adebayo Ojo, a former Attorney-General, argue against abolishing the death penalty due to societal issues. Meanwhile, Mr. Salman Jawondo (SAN) points to the scarcity of hangmen and the right to appeal as contributing factors to the high number of condemned prisoners.
Prof. Tade warns that signing a death warrant prematurely could lead to justice being denied, as legal processes may still be ongoing. Prof. Abideen Olaiya blames governors' failure to sign death warrants on their lack of preparation for governance and focus on resource distribution. Additionally, Prof. Oludayo Tade suggests that some governors' refusal may stem from their belief in the sanctity of life.
Mr. Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), considers keeping convicted persons on death row as inhuman and mentally torturous. He suggests that governors should sign death warrants, convert sentences to life imprisonment, or grant pardons, but not keep prisoners on death row indefinitely.
Stakeholders urge governors to decisively execute condemned prisoners, ending the practice of indefinite detention. They acknowledge various challenges but emphasize the importance of prompt action to address the high number of prisoners awaiting execution and the mental toll of indefinite detention.
