The senate of the federal republic of Nigeria has approved the death sentence as penalty for drug traffickers in the country. This follows the passing of the 2024 Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) act (amendment) bill after its third reading.
The bill was adopted on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of a report of the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.
In a review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill towards strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.
The bill was put up for a voice vote and after a second attempt, the deputy senate president ruled in favour of the “aye’s” causing a slight uproar among those who objected to the bill and felt like they had more votes to quash the bill.
One of the most vocal critics of the amendment, Senator Adams Oshiomole, of Edo state, sought to kill the amendment but was also overruled by the presiding officer, citing a senate rule.
