NHRC seeks death penalty moratorium as 3,000 inmates languish on death row

…Commission urges governors to commute sentences, calls for review of mandatory capital punishment laws

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to declare an official moratorium on executions and state governors to commute eligible death sentences to life imprisonment, amid concerns that more than 3,000 inmates remain on death row across Nigeria.

The commission said Nigeria was approaching 10 consecutive years without a state execution, a development it described as meeting the international standard for a de facto moratorium, despite the continued imposition of death sentences and the prolonged detention of condemned inmates.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against the Death Penalty at the commission’s headquarters.
Ojukwu urged the Federal Government to formalise the suspension of executions, while calling on state governors to exercise their constitutional prerogative of mercy to commute death sentences, particularly in cases where inmates had exhausted their appeals but remained on death row.

He also advocated a review of laws prescribing mandatory death sentences, arguing that judges should have the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances and systemic vulnerabilities before determining appropriate punishment.

Although capital punishment remains constitutionally valid in Nigeria, the NHRC chief stressed that its administration must be consistent with the country’s human rights obligations and the fundamental principles of fair trial and due process.

He expressed concern that inadequate access to pro bono legal representation, forced confessions and delays in bringing suspects to trial continued to undermine procedural justice, raising questions about the fairness of proceedings in capital cases.

According to him, the protection of human rights requires more than the existence of legal provisions, insisting that the justice system must guarantee fair hearings and ensure that the death penalty is restricted to the most serious crimes in line with applicable international standards.

The commission outlined three immediate policy measures: an official moratorium on executions, the commutation of eligible death sentences to life imprisonment, and a comprehensive review of laws prescribing mandatory capital punishment.

Ojukwu’s appeal places renewed focus on the position of condemned inmates who have exhausted their legal options but remain in custody, as well as the wider implications of prolonged confinement on the administration of criminal justice.

A formal moratorium, the commission argued, would provide an immediate policy framework for suspending executions while the country considers broader reforms to its capital punishment regime.

The proposed review of mandatory death penalty provisions would also allow courts to take individual circumstances into account when sentencing offenders, rather than being compelled by law to impose the same punishment regardless of relevant mitigating factors.

The commemoration was organised by the NHRC in partnership with Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, the Australian High Commission and the Embassy of Germany, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Ojukwu expressed hope that deliberations at the event would produce a joint call-to-action communiqué to advance sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector.

The commission’s position comes amid continuing debates over capital punishment, the protection of the rights of accused persons and the need to strengthen safeguards against miscarriages of justice.

NHRC seeks death penalty moratorium as 3,000 inmates languish on death row

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.

The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.

He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.

Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.

He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.

In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.

The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.

The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

Gunmen Kill Two Local Miners in Plateau Community

By Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have killed two local miners in Kazok village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an attack that has triggered a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Security sources said troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Gashish, under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report of the attack at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.

The sources said the troops, upon arrival at the scene, found the bodies of the victims, identified as John Mafulu and Ezikiel Yohanna.

The assailants were said to have fled before the arrival of the troops.

The sources noted that previous efforts by stakeholders to engage the community and secure the suspension of mining activities had been undermined by individuals allegedly involved in the illegal mining operations.

Troops have commenced efforts to track down the assailants, while further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings.

The incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where authorities continue to pursue measures aimed at preventing violence and addressing disputes linked to local activities.

Gunmen Kill Two Local Miners in Plateau Community