Connect with us

News

Germany, Australia, ASF France Call for Abolition of Death Penalty in Nigeria

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested

Published

on

Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

A violent confrontation among rival youths in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna, Niger State, resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of several others, security sources confirmed on Saturday.

According to sources, on Friday at about 8:00 p.m., a group of youths armed with dangerous weapons were sighted causing havoc along David Mark Road. Security operatives quickly intervened and dispersed the group.

However, at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, the same group engaged in a violent clash among themselves using matchets and daggers. Twelve suspects, including Ibrahim Musa, Abbah Hussaini, Babangida Gambo, and Abubakar Bala, were arrested, by the police and their weapons recovered.

Later at about 8:30 a.m., Bello Mohammed of Farm Centre, Tunga Minna, was found lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to General Hospital Minna but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Sources said that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was among the suspected thugs terrorizing residents in the area.

Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested

Continue Reading

News

Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state

Published

on

Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state

By: Zagazola Makama

A 25-year-old Fulani man, Yakubu Salisu of Tenti village, Bokkos Local Government Area, was killed in a violent attack, while six cows were poisoned in a separate incident in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday, authorities confirmed.

According to sources , Salisu was stabbed at the back by yet-to-be-identified assailants suspected to be locals of Bokkos. He died instantly at the scene.

Before the attack, a farmer, Josiah Joshua, 28, said he reportedly confronted six herders rearing cows on his farm. According to him, herders allegedly refused to remove the animals and attacked Joshua, resulting in injuries.

In retaliation, Joshua mobilized his friends to attack Yakubu Salisu, stabbing him multiple times on his before and killing him instantly.

Local leaders told Zagazola that the claims by some parties suggesting the Fulani victims “invaded farmlands” are false and appear to be an attempt to justify the attacks. Investigations indicate both incidents were unprovoked and targeted.

The police, however stormed the scene, photographed the corps and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites, as the family declined an autopsy. The Authorities said they have commenced investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in Riyom LGA, six cows were poisoned in Kwi village without any apparent provocation.

Authorities have commenced investigations into both incidents, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Security officials warned residents to remain vigilant and urged communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

These incidents illustrate the rising tensions in Plateau State, drawing attention to the need for swift intervention to prevent escalation of communal violence over farmland disputes.

Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state

Continue Reading

News

Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS

Published

on

Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS

By: Sunday Oladapo

Leadership in the security sector often reveals itself not through grand speeches or public displays of authority, but through quiet, deliberate decisions that gradually shift systems, culture, and outcomes. Adeola Ajayi’s stewardship of the Department of State Services (DSS) exemplifies this subtle but powerful form of leadership. Though he rarely seeks the spotlight, the changes unfolding under his watch are reshaping the DSS in ways that many insiders describe as the most meaningful transformation the agency has witnessed in years.

From the moment Ajayi assumed office, it was clear he was bringing a different kind of energy—one rooted in discipline, modernization, and strategic silence. Instead of sweeping pronouncements, he focused on strengthening the agency’s foundation: its people, processes, and purpose. And this approach, though understated, is now yielding visible dividends.

Reinvigorating Professionalism and Intelligence Capacity

One of Ajayi’s most significant achievements is the recalibration of the DSS’s intelligence framework. Recognizing that modern threats—from terrorism to cybercrime—require an intelligence service that is both proactive and technologically sophisticated, he initiated targeted reforms to upgrade analytical tools, digital surveillance capacity, and field operations coordination.

Training programs have also been revitalized. Officers are now exposed to global best practices in intelligence gathering, behavioral analysis, cybersecurity, and inter-agency communication. The goal is simple but transformative: build a DSS that can prevent threats before they materialize, rather than merely responding after damage has been done.

Ajayi’s emphasis on data-driven intelligence has contributed to more efficient threat assessment, improved crisis response, and a more agile internal structure that encourages innovation instead of outdated, rigid protocols.

Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

A common weakness in Nigeria’s security architecture has been fragmentation—agencies working in silos, often competing rather than collaborating. Ajayi has worked quietly but effectively to change this dynamic. His leadership has fostered smoother cooperation between the DSS, the police, the military, and other national security institutions.

By prioritizing information-sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategy development, Ajayi has positioned the DSS as a core driver of national security synergy. This shift may not be flashy, but its impact on operational success is already becoming evident.

Humanizing the Service and Rebuilding Public Trust

For many years, perceptions of the DSS fluctuated between respect and apprehension, largely due to concerns over transparency and human-rights practices. Ajayi has taken deliberate steps to address this by promoting a more professional, rights-conscious operational culture. Officers now undergo enhanced training on ethical conduct, community engagement, and communication.

While the DSS is not—and cannot be—a public-relations-driven institution, Ajayi understands that a modern security service must maintain a level of trust with the citizens it protects. His reforms are gradually helping to redefine the agency’s public interface, balancing its mandate for secrecy with an improved commitment to professionalism and accountability.

Internal Welfare and Institutional Stability

Security agencies perform best when their personnel feel valued, motivated, and well-equipped. Ajayi has strengthened internal welfare systems, ensuring officers receive improved support, clearer career growth opportunities, and the tools they need to perform effectively. This has boosted morale and reduced internal friction—two factors crucial for operational efficiency.

His quiet stabilizing influence has also brought a sense of predictability to DSS operations. Under his leadership, the agency appears more insulated from political turbulence, allowing it to focus squarely on its mandate.

A Leadership Style Rooted in Strategy, Not Spectacle

In a time when some leaders rely on bravado or theatrics to appear effective, Ajayi stands out for his disciplined restraint. His philosophy seems guided by a fundamental principle: a security agency’s success is measured in outcomes, not headlines. The calmness of his leadership style has enabled him to pursue reforms without unnecessary noise, distractions, or politicization.

And this may be the true hallmark of his impact—delivering change through consistency rather than controversy.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Blueprint for the DSS

If the momentum of Ajayi’s reforms is sustained, the DSS could emerge as a more modern, reliable, and globally respected intelligence service. His agenda sets a foundation for:

A culture of professionalism over patronage

A stronger intelligence-driven approach to national security

A more integrated and collaborative security environment

A service that balances secrecy with lawful, ethical conduct

A stable institution that prioritizes national interest above all else

His leadership demonstrates that meaningful reform does not always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it comes quietly—through silent changes that produce big, enduring impact.

In transforming the DSS with such strategic subtlety, Adeola Ajayi is not only redefining the institution but also showing that a new era of thoughtful, modern security leadership is both possible and already taking shape.
Sunday Oladapo is a public analysts from Abuja

Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights