Amnesty International Calls for End to Death Penalty

Call for Abolition of the Death Penalty
Stakeholders Dialogue
Criminal Justice System Recommendations
Evidence Against the Death Penalty
Insecurity in Nigeria
Opposition to the Death Penalty
Global Trends on the Death Penalty

Amnesty International has called on both the Federal and State Governments to eliminate the death penalty.

Mrs. Barbara Magaji, the Programmes Manager of Amnesty International, made this appeal during a stakeholders dialogue held to mark the World Day Against the Death Penalty.

The event was organized by Amnesty International in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Magaji emphasized the importance of removing all provisions in national and state legislation that contravene international human rights laws, particularly those that permit the death penalty.

She also urged the government to ensure that the criminal justice system is adequately funded and capable of effectively investigating crimes.

Furthermore, she stated that the law should support victims and guarantee fair trials without resorting to the death penalty.

According to her, the Federal Government should, through the National Assembly, consider abolishing the death penalty for all offenses during the ongoing Nigerian Constitutional Amendment process.

“This is due to the lack of convincing evidence that the death penalty serves as a unique deterrent to crime,” she said.

“Currently, 26 states and the FCT have enacted or modified existing laws that impose the death penalty for crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and cultism.

“Despite the implementation of the death penalty, the nation continues to experience an increase in banditry, abductions, and general criminal activity,” she added.

Magaji pointed out that Amnesty International's research on violence and killings in Nigeria indicated a rise in overall insecurity, unlawful killings, and kidnappings for ransom.

“This trend persists even with the introduction of the death penalty for crimes related to banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and cultism.

“Our documentation of insecurity in 2024 reveals over 181 incidents that resulted in extrajudicial killings stemming from banditry, terrorism, urban crime, and conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, as well as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“This has led to more than 3,169 deaths. In 2024 alone, 881 individuals were kidnapped. In 2025, there were 2,313 deaths resulting from 204 incidents of insecurity, with some cases involving the kidnapping of 1,025 people,” she noted.

Magaji explained that the escalating insecurity in Nigeria arises from a combination of various factors impacting society at multiple levels, from the national to the community level.

She added that the root causes of insecurity must be addressed comprehensively, and a thorough crime prevention strategy should be implemented instead of ineffective quick-fix solutions.

Magaji stated that Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.

“Amnesty International believes that the death penalty infringes upon the right to life as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The death penalty is frequently enforced following a deeply unfair trial. Moreover, even when trials adhere to international standards of fairness, the risk of executing innocent individuals can never be completely eradicated.

“The death penalty will inevitably result in innocent victims, as has been repeatedly demonstrated. The movement toward abolishing the death penalty is evident.

“By opposing the death penalty, Amnesty International does not intend to condone the crimes for which those sentenced to death were convicted,” she added.

She acknowledged the suffering endured by victims of violent crime and their families and recognized the government's obligation to protect their rights.

“Amnesty International also believes that individuals found guilty in trials that meet international fair trial standards should be held accountable, but without resorting to the death penalty,” she concluded.

As of now, 143 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.

Why does Amnesty International oppose the death penalty?

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty because it violates the right to life, often follows unfair trials, and carries the risk of executing innocent individuals.

How many countries have abolished the death penalty?

Currently, 143 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.

What evidence is there against the effectiveness of the death penalty?

There is no convincing evidence that the death penalty serves as a unique deterrent to crime, as crime rates continue to rise even in jurisdictions where it is enforced.