Nigeria Faces Death Penalty Debate Amid Rising Inmate Numbers

As Nigeria commemorates the 2026 World Day Against the Death Penalty with the theme ‘Stories for Life’, the country faces a critical decision regarding its death penalty policy. The German ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, emphasizes the moral implications of capital punishment during an event in Abuja organized in partnership with Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France.

The last execution in Nigeria occurred in December 2016, yet the death penalty remains legal for serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Comptroller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, reported to the National Assembly in March that there are currently 3,688 inmates on death row.

The reluctance of state governors to execute or commute these sentences contributes to prison overcrowding. The ongoing debate questions the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent and raises concerns about the psychological effects of prolonged solitary confinement on inmates, which may violate international human rights treaties.