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Senate Passes Death Penalty Measure for Drug Traffickers Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, presented the report in a plenary session on Thursday. |
The Senate has passed a measure imposing the death penalty on drug traffickers within the nation.
Following the review of a report by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was considered.
Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, presented the report in a plenary session on Thursday.
The bill, which has undergone its third reading, seeks to revise the list of hazardous drugs, enhance the NDLEA's operations, update penalties, and authorize the creation of laboratories.
Currently, Section 11 of the act mandates a life sentence for convicted drug traffickers. However, the 2024 amendment bill proposes a more severe penalty: death.
While the committee's report did not suggest a death penalty for the crime, Senator Ali Ndume advocated for escalating the life sentence to a death sentence during the bill's review.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, overseeing the proceedings, conducted a voice vote on the death penalty amendment, declaring the majority in favor.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) cautioned against rushing decisions on life and death matters.
Nonetheless, Jibrin noted that the objection came too late, as no immediate division was requested following his decision.
The Senate then proceeded to the third reading of the bill, ultimately approving it.
