Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice sector, increases the call for the abolition of the death penalty, urging the government to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment and more humane justice methods.
This appeal was made during the 23rd World Day Against the Use of the Death Penalty in Lagos, coinciding with the launch of The Inclusion Project’s documentary, “Justice Reimagined: Voices of Loss.”
The documentary presents the experiences of those affected by capital offences, challenging the belief that the death penalty deters crime. It emphasizes risks of wrongful convictions and irreversible executions of innocent people.
Pamela Okoroigwe, Director of The Inclusion Project, stated;
For too long, the death penalty has been defended on behalf of victims without actually asking them what they want
University of Lagos law expert, Associate Professor Abiodun Odusote, added that numerous studies show the death penalty does not prevent crime. He noted many Nigerian governors have unofficially halted executions by refusing to sign execution warrants and suggested formalising this moratorium to allow offenders opportunities for rehabilitation.
Opponents of capital punishment argue for justice reforms focusing on fairness, rehabilitation, and public trust.
Nathaniel Ngwu, Convener of the Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria, called on the government to suspend executions and review existing death sentences, pointing to examples from countries like the UK and Sierra Leone that abolished the death penalty without rising crime rates.
Advocates urge comprehensive legal reforms, aiming to prioritise prevention and humane justice over retribution.
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