REVEALED; Why Governors are reluctant to sign death warrants in Nigeria

Published

6 months ago

August 6, 2025

olalekan

REVEALED; Why Governors are reluctant to sign death warrants in Nigeria

Most Governors in Nigeria are hesitant to sign death warrants due to several complex reasons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that their stand may not be far from some moral and religious convictions.
Pundits say many governors are deeply influenced by their personal beliefs, with both Christianity and Islam emphasising mercy and forgiveness.
According to NAN findings in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States,this makes them reluctant to authorise such pending executions.
Also, some of them take such actions due to the fear of wrongful convictions.
Nigeria’s legal system is often criticised for delays, weak investigation procedures, and lack of access to quality legal representation, raising concerns about potential wrongful convictions.
Others hinged their procrastination political sensitivity as they think signing a death warrant can be politically risky, potentially alienating voters or interest groups who oppose capital punishment.
Also, some governors posit that they may face public backlash or protests from human rights groups and religious bodies.
Similarly, the lengthy appeal process, which can take years, also contributes to the delay. Inmates on death row have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court.
This makes the governors cautious about signing death warrants without exhausting all legal avenues.
Nigeria’s signatory status to international human rights treaties, which often criticize capital punishment, may also influence governors’ decisions.
Some governors may simply believe in the sanctity of life and oppose capital punishment on ethical grounds.
These factors combined create a de facto moratorium on executions, leaving thousands of condemned inmates in limbo.
Some experts and citizens are calling for a review of the constitutional provision, suggesting that Judges should sign death warrants instead of governors.
In Kano, residents of the state have expressed divergent views on whether to retain or abolish the death penalty in the country’s constitution.
Some have argued that the governors lack of commitment to carrying out death sentences makes the provision irrelevant, while others insist it should remain part of the law.
Prof. Yahaya Bunkure, of the Department of Science Education, Bayero University, wholeheartedly support the constitutional provision under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.
It empowers state governors to lend their consent before the execution of individuals sentenced to death.
This provision is a critical safeguard that underscores the gravity of capital punishment.
It ensures that the decision to end a life is not taken lightly but is subject to a final review by an elected official who represents the will of the people.
He said, “However, I believe there is a need for an amendment to this section to compel governors to strictly adhere to its provisions.
“This amendment should ensure that all possible avenues, including those of amnesty and adherence to the rule of law, are exhausted before any execution can proceed.
“By doing so, we would reinforce the integrity of our judicial system, promote transparency, and ensure that mercy and justice are not just options but obligations that governors must consider seriously.”
Alhaji Abubakar Malam of Unguwar Wambai, suggested amending the law to allow for life imprisonment or a specific number of years at the court’s discretion.
He said that Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution gives governors the power of prerogative of mercy over convicts, but argued that this power is not absolute and can be subject to certain conditions.
Malam said, “The debate highlights the complexities surrounding the death penalty and the need for careful consideration of its implications.”
Alhaji Abdulsalam Mohammad, a resident of Unguwa Uku in Tarauni Local Government Area, lamented Nigerian governors have failed to sign death warrants for condemned criminals over the past two decades.
He suggested that the legislature should amend the constitution to make it mandatory for governors to sign death warrants within a specified timeframe, such as three months, after a Court verdict is pronounced, to uphold justice and promote the rule of law.
Mr Paul Israel, of Igbo Road in Sabon Gari Area, believed that notorious criminals who had committed heinous crimes and sentenced to death should be executed.
He decried that governors often fail to sign death warrants, leading to overcrowding in prisons and the potential for released inmates to return to criminal activities.
Israel advocated compelling state executives to sign death warrants, arguing that this would help curb rising criminality in the country.
Some individuals alleged that governors are hesitant to sign death warrants due to corruption, in spite of it being constitutional.
They recalled that during the military era, administrators were more inclined to enforce the law, which maintained order in society.
Some individuals, like Mr Friday John, advocated abolishing the death penalty, citing that many developed countries had done so.
They argued that governors should not sign death warrants, emphasising the value of life.
Alhaji Musa Abdullahi of Hotoro Quarters, who opposed abolishing the death penalty, instead urged governors to fulfill their statutory responsibility of signing death warrants.
He warned that failing to apply the law in cases of treason, homicide, and armed robbery could have repercussions, and argued that the death penalty serves as a deterrent to potential offenders.
In Katsina State, a legal practitioner, Mr Abdullahi Muhammad, has called for the removal of state governors consent in signing death warrant of convicts.
Muhammad made the call on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that the call has become imperative because in the history of the country since the return to the democracy in 1999, very few governors signed the death warrant of convicts.
Muhammad observed that the governors were reluctant to sign such death warrants even after the courts convicted a person.
“Just remove the governor’s consent on the issue of whether the warrant should be signed to execute the convict or not,” he said
According to him, that has been costing the government a lot of money, hence the need to review the law in the interest of justice.
He further revealed that had been contributing to the prison congestion in the country.
“If you visit Correctional Centers, you see some convicts that have already exhausted their appeals, but still waiting for execution.
“We really need to review the law to allow for the execution of such persons.
“That will even serve as a deterrent to others who might want to commit similar capital offence,” he said.(NAN)

News

President Tinubu orders suspension of APC e-registration in Kano, over Gov’s defection

Published

2 hours ago

January 18, 2026

olalekan

President Tinubu orders suspension of APC e-registration in Kano, over Gov’s defection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly ordered the suspension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise in Kano State, pending the formal defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the ruling party.

The allegation was made by Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives and a prominent APC leader in Kano.

Doguwa disclosed this in a video shared on X by user @jrnaib2, where he suggested that the President had already welcomed Governor Yusuf into the ruling party.

Speaking in the video, the lawmaker stated: “What could you do when Tinubu said he has accepted Abba? What would you do?

“Tinubu has accepted him (into APC), we were going to start APC e-registration in Kano tomorrow, but the President and the APC national leadership has directed that it should be put on hold.”

Doguwa further explained that the APC leadership intends for Governor Yusuf to be the first person to register electronically in Kano once the process resumes.

He added: “If we accept the ‘hunch backed,’ what would he do with me? We could only be patient.”

While the exact date the remarks were made remains unclear, they come as the APC continues its nationwide membership registration drive.

The statements have sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users dismissed the claim that Governor Yusuf is considering a move to the APC. User @auwal_sls argued that the governor is not prepared to abandon his current political platform, while another user, @Teemaah88, warned that Kano State “will lose this election.”

In recent months, there have been growing reports that associates of Governor Yusuf and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are pushing for a defection to the APC.

Supporters of the idea believe such a move would strengthen Kano’s political alignment with the federal government.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has publicly defended these calls, insisting that joining the APC would be beneficial to the state. However, Kwankwaso has strongly opposed any suggestion of defection.

He has repeatedly maintained that Governor Yusuf should remain in his current party and has even challenged him to resign from office if he intends to cross over to the APC.

Speculation peaked earlier this week with reports that the governor was expected to defect on Monday, but no such move has taken place.

So far, Abba Kabir Yusuf has kept silent on the issue, leaving the political future of Kano State uncertain.

News

Governor donates N9 million to wives of fallen soldiers

Published

6 hours ago

January 18, 2026

olalekan

Governor donates N9 million to wives of fallen soldiers

Gov. Ahmed  Ododo of Kogi, has announced the donation of Nine million naira to nine widows of fallen soldiers during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 festivities.

The ceremony, held at the 12 Brigade headquarters, Chari‑Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, brought together military personnel, community leaders, and families of service men, who have paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s security.

Represented by the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara the governor reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian Army and security agencies.

Rep of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the State Security Adviser Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), presenting gifts to wives of fallen soldiers at the 12 Brigade’s Nigerian Army WASA 2025, held at Chari Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja
He described the initiative as a moving gesture underscoring the state’s gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by its military families.

Ododo, serving as Special Guest of Honour, praised the 12 Brigade’s WASA describing it as a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The event is a vital morale‑boost for troops who have spent the year on operations, training and community security.

“The annual WASA tradition has been “impressively sustained” and provides soldiers a chance to unwind with families after a demanding year,” he said.

He traced WASA’s roots to the West African Frontier Force, the predecessor of the Nigerian Army, emphasising its role in fostering unity, camaraderie and a sense of belonging among officers, soldiers and their dependents.

The governor lauded the colorful performances by various cultural troupes, saying the displays proved that “you have not broken links with your cultural backgrounds.”

He congratulated the brigade for successful 2025 operations that kept peace and security across Kogi, urging personnel to remain “focused, resilient and proactive” as they enter 2026.

Ododo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, promising continued assistance to improve welfare and operational effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, had assured Kogi of the army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.

He described WASA as a significant occasion that brought together officers, soldiers, families, and friends to celebrate shared identity, cultural heritage, and collective achievements.

The commander praised the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of officers and soldiers, highlighting the Brigade’s achievements in 2025, including successful military operations against bandits and kidnappers in Kogi. (NAN)

News

Notorious Drug Kingpin who killed three NDLEA operatives 12-years ago arrested

Published

6 hours ago

January 18, 2026

olalekan

NDLEA arrests wanted drug kingpin, recovers illicit drugs from his hideout

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully apprehended a long-wanted drug kingpin, ending a 12-year manhunt following his involvement in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the suspect was notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents.

He said that the suspect was on Friday, Jan. 16 tracked to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State by tactical teams of the agency following credible intelligence.

He also said that during the clinical operation, the suspect was found in possession of 69 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

He added that the arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the agency’s commitment to ensuring that no fugitive, regardless of how long they evaded justice, remained beyond the reach of the law.

“The suspect’s criminal history is marked by extreme violence and lawlessness.

“As a result, he had on June 15, 2014 orchestrated a barbaric mob action against a team of NDLEA officers who had attempted to arrest him at his enclave.

“The attack resulted in the cold-blooded murder of three NDLEA officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others, who were killed by armed thugs mobilised by Jimoh.

“While the suspect managed to escape the scene that day, the agency remained resolute in its pursuit of justice for the fallen heroes,” he said.

In another encounter with the suspect on Aug. 12, 2023, when NDLEA operatives stormed his residence in Ado-Odo town, Ogun state, he managed to escape.

Babafemi however, said that the operatives succeeded in recovering 139 sacks of skunk with a total weight of 1,922 kilograms.

This, he said was following assets forfeiture proceedings instituted in court by the agency, the house in Ado-Odo, which served as a warehouse for his illicit drug trade, has since been finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

While commending the officers and men of the Ogun command for the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen.-Buba Marwa acknowledged their commitment.

Marwa enjoined them as well as their colleagues nationwide to maintain the current tempo of their balanced approach to the Agency’s drug control efforts.

He described the arrest of the wanted drug kingpin as a triumph of justice and a testament to the agency’s long memory.

He added that the arrest sends a clear and unambiguous message to all drug barons and fugitives.

“You may run, and you may hide for a season, but the long arm of the law will eventually find you.

“The arrest is particularly significant because it closes a painful chapter that began on June 15, 2014.

“For twelve years, this individual lived with the blood of our gallant officers on his hands. He mistakenly thought that time had erased his crimes.

“Today, we have proven that the NDLEA does not forget its own. We do not forget the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in the service of our fatherland.

“This arrest is for the families of those three officers who have waited 12 years for justice”, Marwa said in a tribute to the officers lost over a decade ago.(NAN)