The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reiterated its stance on abolishing the death penalty, describing it as a violation of the right to life and a reflection of the justice system's failures in protecting society’s vulnerable. NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized the association's position during a high-level consultation event organized in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Avocats Sans Frontières France, and the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) in observance of the World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10.
“This is a time for reflection—not just on the legal grounds of capital punishment but from moral, ethical, and human rights perspectives,” Osigwe remarked, questioning whether the death penalty genuinely delivers justice or perpetuates harm. Citing the former South African President Nelson Mandela, he argued that denying life is an affront to humanity itself, pointing out that capital punishment is increasingly seen worldwide as outdated and ineffective.
Osigwe noted that over 140 countries have abolished the death penalty or implemented moratoriums, signaling a global trend toward valuing human life within justice systems. He also highlighted multiple United Nations resolutions advocating for moratoriums on the death penalty with a view to ultimate abolition, stressing that the right to life is foundational to all other human rights.
The NBA president acknowledged that, although the death penalty remains legal in Nigeria for crimes such as murder, terrorism, and armed robbery, the punishment presents risks of wrongful conviction and poses moral and ethical questions. Osigwe further argued that those on death row often come from vulnerable backgrounds, indicating systemic inequities.
However, not all Nigerians support the NBA’s push for abolition. Public affairs analyst Emmanuel Aziken criticized the NBA’s position, arguing that the death penalty acts as a deterrent and aligns with the principle of “an eye for an eye” as referenced in religious texts. Aziken maintained that those convicted of malicious killings should face the ultimate punishment, though he emphasized that thorough investigations should precede such sentences to avoid wrongful executions.
Journalist Nze Ezeocha also voiced support for retaining the death penalty, citing its role as a deterrent to potential offenders. Ezeocha called for competent judges to ensure fair trials and argued that rather than abolish the death penalty, governors should sign death warrants to alleviate prison overcrowding.
President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, dismissed the NBA’s call outright, questioning why anyone would consider eliminating such a penalty in a country where laws are frequently disregarded. Shettima argued that removing the death penalty would lead to increased crime, as individuals would no longer fear severe repercussions.
In contrast, attorney and public affairs commentator Ikechukwu Onodi supports the NBA's stance, arguing that life—being irreplaceable—should not be taken by human hands. He cited the United Nations' Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which advocates for abolishing the death penalty. He also referenced cases where individuals on death row were later exonerated and became valuable contributors to society, notably former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
As the debate continues, the NBA asserts that a justice system prioritizing the rights of all individuals fosters a more peaceful and progressive society. The association plans to keep pushing for reforms, challenging the traditional view that capital punishment deters crime, and advocating for a more humane and equitable justice system.
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