NewsNigeriaPoliticsSenate Backs Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

A fiery debate erupted in the Nigerian Senate this week, culminating in a vote to potentially impose the death penalty on drug traffickers.

The measure passed on Thursday, marks a dramatic shift in sentencing for such offenses, which previously carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“Any person who, without lawful authority, imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life,” Section 11 of the current NDLEA Act reads.

The “National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment Bill) 2024” sparked heated discussions.

Supporters of the bill argued for a stronger deterrent to combat the growing problem of drug trafficking and addiction in Nigeria. They believe the death penalty will send a powerful message and discourage criminals from engaging in the illicit drug trade.

The Senate Whip, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) said, “This (life imprisonment) should be changed to a death sentence. This is the standard worldwide. We have to do this to address this problem of drugs that has seriously affected our youths. It should be toughened beyond life imprisonment. It should be the death sentence, either by hanging or any way.”

However, the bill faced significant opposition. Critics questioned the effectiveness and morality of capital punishment. They argued that it doesn’t necessarily deter crime and raises concerns about fairness in the justice system, with the possibility of wrongful convictions. Some senators also advocated for a different approach, prioritising rehabilitation and addressing the underlying causes of drug use.

With the Senate’s approval, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which earlier passed the bill but without a death penalty provision. If passed by both both chambers, it will need to be signed into law by the President, Bola Tinubu before taking effect.

The legislation stemmed from a report by the Senate committees on judiciary, human rights and legal matters, and drugs and narcotics, which Senator Mohammed Monguno presented during Thursday’s plenary session.