House Of Representatives Reverses Decision On Death Penalty Abolition Bill.
The House of Representatives has reversed its decision on a bill seeking to abolish the death penalty in Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers, aimed to amend Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution to align penalties for certain capital offences with international best practices.
Section 33(1) currently states: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”
The proposed amendment sought to remove the clause that permits capital punishment, effectively abolishing the death penalty. However, following further deliberation, the House decided to rescind its initial approval.
Death Penalty in Nigeria
Nigeria retains the death penalty for crimes such as armed robbery and murder, yet executions have been rare in recent years. Since the return to democracy in 1999, successive presidents and governors have refrained from signing execution warrants, resulting in a growing backlog of death row inmates.
While human rights groups have long advocated for the abolition of capital punishment, arguing that it violates fundamental human rights, others believe it serves as a necessary deterrent against violent crimes.
The decision to halt the bill’s progress suggests that lawmakers remain divided on the issue, balancing human rights concerns with the need for justice and deterrence in serious criminal cases.
