In a significant development, the Senate has approved the imposition of the death penalty for individuals convicted of drug trafficking offenses in Nigeria.
This decision marks a departure from the existing provision in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, which prescribes a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for such offenses.
The resolution was reached following the Senate’s consideration of a report presented by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics on the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Senator Mohammed Monguno, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, presented the report during the plenary session on Thursday, May 9.
The primary objectives of the bill include updating the list of dangerous drugs, enhancing the operations of the NDLEA, reviewing penalties for drug-related offenses, and facilitating the establishment of drug testing laboratories.
One of the key amendments proposed by the bill involves Section 11 of the current NDLEA Act, which pertains to offenses related to the importation, manufacture, production, processing, planting, or growth of illicit drugs such as cocaine, LSD, and heroin. The amendment seeks to elevate the punishment for these offenses from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
Although the initial report did not recommend the death penalty, Senator Ali Ndume proposed the amendment during the consideration of the bill.
The amendment was subsequently put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session. Following the voice vote, Senator Adams Oshiomhole objected to the ruling, arguing that matters of life and death should not be hastily decided.
Despite the objection, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin maintained his ruling, stating that it was too late for a division to be called. As a result, the bill, with the provision for the death penalty, was read for the third time and passed by the Senate.
The approval of the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses reflects the Senate’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the deterrence of illicit drug activities in Nigeria. However, the decision has sparked debates among lawmakers and the public, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of issues surrounding capital punishment in the country.