End the Death Penalty in Nigeria
Across Nigeria, at least 26 states prescribe the death penalty for kidnapping and related offences. While governments claim it deters crime, the evidence is clear: executions do not stop kidnapping or insecurity. Instead, flawed trials, wrongful convictions, and arbitrary laws put innocent lives at risk, while real solutions to crime and insecurity are neglected.
What’s the problem?
- Widespread death sentences: As of May 2023, over 3,322 people are on death row in Nigeria, one of the highest figures in the world.
- Flawed justice system: Many trials fall short of fair standards, raising the risk of wrongful executions.
- Ineffective deterrence: Kidnapping and violent crimes continue to rise despite harsh death penalty laws across multiple states.
- Cycle of violence: State executions normalize killing and distract from urgent reforms in policing, justice, and victim support.
A call for justice
Authorities at state and federal levels must act to protect lives and uphold Nigeria’s obligations under international law.
We are calling on:
- State Governors and Houses of Assembly
- Federal and State Ministries of Justice.
- The Nigerian Police Force and Judiciary.
To take urgent steps by:
- Establishing an official moratorium on executions.
- Commuting all existing death sentences to terms of imprisonment.
- Repealing laws that impose mandatory death sentences.
- Strengthening fair trial guarantees, policing, and victim support systems.
What can you do to help?
Raise your voice and demand change:
- Sign the petition calling on Nigerian authorities to abolish the death penalty.