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By Oscar Okhifo
Global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, (AI) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s refusal to outlaw death penalty, revealing that thousands of people are currently on death row, many of whom were convicted after unfair trials.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organization expressed deep concern that outdated laws and flawed judicial processes continue to put innocent lives at risk.
“Thousands on death row in Nigeria, many innocent! Did you know unfair trials and outdated laws put lives at risk? Join the movement to replace death with justice. Together, let’s save lives!” Amnesty International said.
The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps towards abolishing the death penalty, stressing that the justice system should be reformed to prioritize fairness, rehabilitation, and human rights protection.
AI noted that many inmates facing execution had suffered from prolonged detentions, lack of access to quality legal representation, and coerced confessions.
However, security analysts and some victims’ families have countered the position, arguing that the call for total abolition of the death penalty ignores the suffering of thousands who have lost loved ones to violent crimes.
They noted that while no execution has taken place in Nigeria in the last ten years, terrorists, armed robbers, arsonists, and rapists have continued to wreak havoc across the country, killing innocent citizens, sacking communities, and committing crimes against humanity.
“These are people whose death sentences have gone through all stages of judicial process and have been upheld by the Supreme Court,” one security expert said. “Should they still be shielded from justice even after due trial and conviction?”
Critics further questioned whether those who lead Amnesty International would still oppose the death penalty if their own family members were victims of such violence and wickedness.
Despite the growing debate, AI has maintained that the death penalty violates the right to life and constitutes the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. The organization continues to advocate for restorative justice mechanisms that emphasize reformation over retributions.