Death Penalty: Rights Body Wants Governors to Commute Sentences as Executions Near 10-Year Freeze

Nigeria’s human rights body wants an official moratorium on the death penalty after 10 consecutive years without an execution.

It is among the top campaign demands as Nigeria marks the 2026 World Day Against the Death Penalty, held under the theme “Stories for Life.”

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tony Ojukwu has therefore appealed to Nigerian state governors to commute all death sentences to life imprisonment.

Ojukwu says the day presents a critical opportunity for the government to institutionalise a complete freeze on the practice.

Over 3,000 Inmates on Death Row

Expressing deep concern over the welfare of condemned inmates, Ojukwu revealed that more than 3,000 individuals remain on death row in Nigeria. 

According to him, such prolonged detention is a direct challenge to Nigeria’s justice system and the quality of basic human rights.

To address the issue, the NHRC boss called on state governors to utilize their constitutional powers through the prerogative of mercy to commute these sentences.

Call for Judicial and Legal Reforms

Ojukwu further advocated for a comprehensive review of mandatory death penalty laws, arguing that judges should be granted the discretion to consider mitigating circumstances during sentencing.

He identified several systemic flaws currently undermining justice in capital cases, such as inadequate legal representation for accused persons, use of forced confessions, and delays in criminal proceedings. 

Ojukwu maintained that any application of capital punishment must strictly comply with Nigeria’s constitutional safeguards and its international human rights obligations.