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Germany, Australia, ASF France Call for Abolition of Death Penalty in Nigeria
Germany, Australia, ASF France Call for Abolition of Death Penalty in Nigeria
…Commends Committal of Death Sentence of Seven to Prison Term by President Tinubu
By: Michael Mike
German and Australian Embassies in Nigeria as well as Avocats Sans Frontières France, Nigeria have called for the abolition of death penalty in Nigeria.
The trio which jointly organized the screening of the movie “Just Mercy” in Abuja at the weekend, while appreciating that no one on death roll has been executed in the last nine years in Nigeria, call on both the federal and state governments to remove death penalty from our law.
The film was screened to commemorate the 2025 World Day Against the Death Penalty, with Avocats Sans Frontières France, Nigeria, with support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abuja, and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, joining global voices to call for the abolition of the death penalty through the film and speeches.
The event is a part of their continued joint efforts for the protection of human rights and the promotion of a fair justice system. It brings together stakeholders and partners from the legal community, civil society organisations, government representatives, diplomats, students, private sector and the media, aiming to deepen the public’s understanding of the human rights implications of the death penalty and inspire dialogue toward its abolition in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to recent statistics, 26 African countries have abolished the death penalty, 14 countries still retain the death penalty, and 15 are classified as de facto abolitionists, which is a clear indication that the continent is progressively moving toward the global trend of ending this irreversible form of punishment.
The 2025 report from the Nigerian Correctional Service, shows that there are still over 3,500 persons on death row in Nigeria accounting for one of the largest death row populations in Sub Saharan Africa.
According to stakeholders, these figures highlight the urgency of sustained advocacy and reform toward the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria. They however, commended the recent move by President Bola Tinubu, who commuted seven people on death row to life imprisonment, stating that this is an encouraging step that reflects the growing recognition for a more humane justice system.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, in her speech, reiterated Germany’s unwavering commitment to the global movement,
she said: “We think that the death penalty is not only a legal matter, but it touches on core values of justice, human dignity and the right to life. The irreversible nature of the death penalty means that mistakes and wrongful convictions are beyond correction. Germany abolished the death penalty more than 70 years ago, and we continue to advocate globally for its complete eradication.”
She said Germany would continue to appeal to friendly nations, including Nigeria, to abolish death penalty, while commending the recent action of President Tinubu, commuting death penalty of seven condemned criminals to prison terms.
Also, speaking at the event, Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian High Commission, Mr. Neil Sanderson, emphasized his government’s unwavering stance: “Australia’s position is clear, we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and continue to call for its global abolition. It is a cruel, inhumane, and ineffective punishment that undermines human dignity and justice. Encouragingly, global momentum is growing, and we welcome Nigeria’s consideration of abolition as part of its constitutional reform process.”
He further noted that 144 countries are now abolitionist in law or practice, and across Africa, nations such as Ghana, Zambia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, and Zimbabwe have recently taken this historic step.
Through the screening of the movie “Just Mercy,” a powerful true story about justice, redemption, and the fight against wrongful convictions, ASF France, said it aims to shed light on the moral, legal, and human costs associated with capital punishment.
In a brief statement, the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France in Nigeria, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said: “The World Day Against the Death Penalty serves as a reminder that justice must never come at the cost of human life. It is a call to empathy, reflection, and action. ASF France reaffirms its commitment by providing legal assistance and support to people facing the death penalty through its network of pro bono lawyers. So far, we have supported over 800 individuals facing the death penalty across 10 states in Nigeria, ensuring they receive adequate legal representation, fair and humane treatment under the law. ASF France stands with all those around the world who believe that every life has value and that dignity, not death, should be at the heart of justice. We call for a humane justice system for all.”
The trio, Avocats Sans Frontières France, Nigeria, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abuja, and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria together reaffirmed their call for an official moratorium on executions as a crucial step toward abolition of the death penalty.
Germany, Australia, ASF France Call for Abolition of Death Penalty in Nigeria
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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