Kehinde Fajobi
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria, arguing that justice should focus on fairness, rehabilitation, and human rights.
Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Death Penalty Project and the British High Commission, Kalu revealed he had sponsored a bill to amend Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution to remove the provision allowing execution by the state.
According to him, opposition to capital punishment has been declining globally, with over 130 countries having abolished it in law or practice.
“We owe it to our citizens to ensure that their rights are protected and that our laws reflect the highest standards of justice,” he said.
“I urge you all to support us as we take significant steps towards reforming our criminal justice system towards creating a Nigeria that embodies fairness, respect for human rights, and a commitment to justice for all.”
Kalu pointed out that Nigeria’s legal framework currently permits the death penalty for offences such as murder, armed robbery, and treason.
However, he stressed that the growing number of inmates on death row highlighted the urgent need for reform.
He also noted that Nigeria had abstained from a recent United Nations vote on a global moratorium on executions, a move he suggested showed the country’s hesitance despite an increasing shift towards abolition.
Leader of the visiting delegation, Saul LeurFeund, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project, emphasised the progress made in other African nations.
“We’ve been working in this continent for some 30 years, we’ve seen great progress, Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty on New Year’s Eve,” LeurFeund said.
He added that their visit aimed to foster discussions on how Nigeria’s Constitution could be amended to remove capital punishment.
Kalu assured the delegation of his willingness to collaborate, stating that aligning with international best practices would enhance Nigeria’s global reputation.