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Abolishing Death Penalty, Nigerians Will Decide – Deputy Speaker

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By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the decision to abolish death penalty in Nigeria rests with the people.

Kalu who stated this during a visit by officials of the Death Penalty Project and the British High Commission to his office in Abuja on Thursday, stressed the need for open discussions and collaboration among stakeholders, as opinions on the issue vary widely.

He noted that over 130 countries have already abolished the death penalty, either in law or practice. However, in Nigeria, capital punishment is still allowed for crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason.

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The Deputy Speaker said that the number of death row inmates highlights the need for reforms in the criminal justice system. As chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he said the committee has been studying the moral, ethical, and practical aspects of the death penalty.

While no bill on the matter is currently before the House, Kalu stated that the committee is considering it, and a proposal could be brought forward soon for debate and public input.

Kalu said, “Internationally, there is a growing trend toward the abolition of the death penalty, with over 130 countries having abolished it in law or practice. This shift reflects a global understanding that justice must incorporate rehabilitation and restorative practices rather than solely punitive measures.
In November 2024, the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee approved a resolution for a global moratorium on executions, aiming for full abolition, which was adopted on December 17, 2024, marking the tenth resolution since 2007 advocating for a moratorium, with support increasing from 104 states in 2007 to 130 in 2024, while opposition has declined. Notably, Nigeria abstained from the recent vote among 22 abstaining states. This trend indicates a strong movement towards the universal abolition of the death penalty. Within the African Union, 48 of 55 countries are now abolitionist in law or practice, with only Egypt and Somalia carrying out executions in 2023.
“The African continent is advancing towards the abolition of the death penalty more rapidly than any other region, with six countries having eliminated the death penalty for all crimes or for ordinary crimes in just the past four years (since July 2021).
We are willing to collaborate with you and have further engagements as we know that aligning our laws with international best practices enhances Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
“There’s no bill before the House of Representatives at the moment to address this issue as we speak, but there’s an intention for us to have conversations around it. I’m trying to give it legal framework by presenting it as a bill. We are considering presenting it before the parliament for debate, for us to know whether or not is what our society needs at the moment. It will pass through various stages of public hearing to allow the public make contribution on this subject matter. We are positive that our willingness to engage further on this discussion will send a clear message that we are committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that our criminal justice system reflects fairness and proportionality.”
The Deputy Speaker however stated that as further discussions are ongoing, the goal is not to diminish the seriousness of capital offenses but to create a justice system that is equitable, effective, and respectful of human rights.
“We owe it to our citizens to ensure that their rights are protected and that our laws reflect the highest standards of justice. 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 added.
Earlier, leader of Delegation and Co-founder/Co-Executive Director of The Death Penalty Project, Saul LeurFeund, said the visit was to seek the collaboration of parliament on the potential abolishment of death penalty in Nigeria.
He said, “We’ve seen great progress, Zimbabwe abolished death penalty on new year’s eve. I had the pleasure of being here last August on the invitation of the British high commission .
“It will be helpful to have conversation around death penalty in Nigeria. It will be helpful to bring partners together to discuss potential abolishment, to see if we can change discussion around death penalty. So we want to bring our experience and to discuss with you, the possibility on how the Constitution can be amended and anything we can do to provide technical support”.

 

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Gov Oborevwori’s top aide suddenly resigns from govt

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In a shocking political move, Harrison Gwamnishu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization, has tendered his resignation, citing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of escalating insecurity across communities in the state. Gwamnishu submitted his resignation letter on Friday, April 25, 2025, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State. He emphasized that his decision followed “considerable reflection” and was driven by a “deep sense of disappointment” over the administration’s failure to act on security concerns he consistently raised.

In his letter, Gwamnishu detailed his efforts to draw the government’s attention to the worsening security situation, including numerous messages, calls, and submission of blueprint documents proposing actionable solutions.

However, he lamented that all attempts were “thrown out,” and meaningful solutions were “not being accepted” by the administration.

“As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community,” Gwamnishu wrote. “However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.” He further stated that his resignation is intended to serve as a wake-up call to the administration, urging it to prioritize the safety and security of Delta State citizens.

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Just in: Senator Natasha tenders satirical ‘apology’ to Akpabio

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has penned a biting, satirical letter of “apology” to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, laced with sarcasm and veiled criticism. The letter, which surfaced on social media on Sunday evening. The post read:

From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

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How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken

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FG warns against growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday raised the alarm over the growing threat of cyber-slavery in West Africa, which is increasingly targeting vulnerable young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, it was revealed that many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, are being lured out of the country with false promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, especially in crypto-related operations.

The warning comes after the recent rescue of about 231 Nigerians who were forced into cybercrime activities in Accra, Ghana.

The victims were rescued and are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra.

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The government said, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.

“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.”

The Ministry therefore warned Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.

“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.

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“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ebienfa further stated.

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