Sani Raises Concern Over Death Row Inmates

Shehu Sani, a human rights activist, has raised concern over the growing number of condemned inmates languishing in Nigeria’s Correctional Centres, stating that only two executions have been carried out since 1999 despite numerous death sentences handed down by the courts.

Sani noted that most state governors are unwilling to sign execution warrants, which are required by law before the death penalty can be carried out. This reluctance, he said, stems from political caution, spiritual convictions, doubts about the integrity of the judicial process, and increasing pressure from human rights groups opposed to capital punishment.

“Since 1999 there were only two executions carried out in the Nigerian Prisons now known as the Correctional Centres. Most Governors are reluctant to sign the execution order either for political or spiritual reasons or doubts about the judicial process Or pressure from Rights groups against Capital punishment.

“The Governors quietly avoid, evades or manage the cases until they leave office. The burden is left to the prison staff to manage the condemned inmates, until when their sentences are commuted to life imprisonment.”

Sani stated that the inaction has created a troubling situation within the Nigerian Correctional Service, where officials are forced to house and manage death row inmates indefinitely, often under strained and overcrowded conditions.

Sani said this shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging for the murder of his wife.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Nwachukwu was responsible for the death of his wife, which occurred on April 8, 2022.