Earlier this month, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) renewed its call to abolish the death penalty, arguing that it violates the right to life and often highlights failures in the justice system regarding the protection of vulnerable individuals. NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized this stance during a high-level consultation held by the National Human Rights Commission, Avocats Sans Frontières France, and the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) in honor of the World Day Against the Death Penalty. He noted that the annual event on October 10 serves as a reminder of the global movement against capital punishment and prompts reflection on the death penalty from legal, moral, ethical, and human rights perspectives.
Osigwe expressed concern that the death penalty may not achieve its intended justice and can perpetuate harm instead. He quoted Nelson Mandela, stating that denying human rights undermines humanity itself, further arguing that the death penalty often represents the justice system’s shortcomings in safeguarding the vulnerable. He pointed out that over 140 countries have abolished the death penalty or imposed moratoriums, reflecting a global consensus on the sanctity of human life and the need for justice systems to embody higher standards of dignity.
He also highlighted the UN General Assembly’s resolutions advocating for a moratorium, aligning with the principle that the right to life underpins all human rights. Osigwe warned that in Nigeria, the death penalty remains a legal punishment for serious crimes, but there are risks of wrongful convictions that could lead to innocent individuals being executed. He called for difficult questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the death penalty, suggesting that a just society must prioritize individual rights.
Despite the NBA’s compelling arguments, some Nigerians remain unconvinced, fearing that abolishing the death penalty could lead to increased crime rates. Public affairs analyst Emmanuel Aziken argued that the death penalty serves as a necessary deterrent. He believes that while the law should ensure thorough investigations, capital punishment is justified for serious offenses. Others echoed this sentiment, asserting that abolishing the death penalty would erode public safety and embolden criminals.