This month, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reiterated its demand for the abolition of the death penalty, claiming it infringes on the right to life and often reveals deficiencies in the justice system’s ability to protect society’s most vulnerable. NBA President Afam Osigwe made this assertion during a high-profile consultation organized by the National Human Rights Commission, Avocats Sans Frontières France, and the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty. He explained that this annual observance on October 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the global push against capital punishment and encourages a comprehensive examination of the issue from legal, moral, ethical, and human rights angles.
Osigwe raised concerns that the death penalty may not deliver the justice it promises and could contribute to ongoing injustices. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he argued that denying human rights is a direct assault on humanity, and emphasized that the death penalty often reflects systemic failures in justice. He noted that more than 140 nations have eliminated or suspended the death penalty, highlighting a worldwide acknowledgment of the importance of human life and the expectation that justice systems should uphold higher standards of compassion.
He also mentioned various resolutions from the UN General Assembly advocating for a moratorium on the death penalty, emphasizing that the right to life is fundamental to all human rights. In Nigeria, he warned of the dangers associated with the death penalty, particularly the risk of wrongful convictions, which can lead to innocent individuals being executed. He challenged the legal community to question whether the death penalty effectively deters crime and if it is administered fairly.
Nevertheless, some Nigerians contest the NBA’s viewpoint, fearing that eliminating the death penalty might result in a surge of violent crime. Analyst Emmanuel Aziken insisted that the death penalty is crucial for deterring serious offenses. He argued for the necessity of thorough investigations to ensure just convictions but maintained that capital punishment should remain for severe crimes. Others echoed these concerns, asserting that abolishing the death penalty could undermine public safety and embolden potential offenders.