Onagunwa Calls for Action on Nigeria’s Long Standing Death Row Cases

By Olushola Akinyele, Presstv News Nigeria

Comrade Olusola A. Onagunwa has called on Nigerian authorities to address the prolonged delay in the execution of death sentences, arguing that leaving convicted murderers on death row for years could weaken public confidence in the justice system.

Onagunwa made the call in a statement titled “Another Abnormality of Unexecuted Death Row: Nigeria Government Encouraging Criminality and Violence,”following reports of recent executions of convicted murderers in the United States.

Presstv News Nigeria learnt that the activist argued that Nigeria’s continued retention of inmates on death row, sometimes for decades after exhausting their legal options, raises serious questions about the implementation of capital punishment and the broader criminal justice system.

According to him, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding death sentences could undermine the deterrent effect of punishment for serious violent crimes.

Onagunwa recalled the execution of notorious criminals during the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, saying such executions had a significant impact on public perception of law enforcement and criminal justice at the time.

He also cited high profile murder cases in Nigeria, including the killing of Bamise Ayanwole inside a Lagos BRT bus, as examples of cases that have intensified public demands for justice for victims and their families.

The activist further raised concerns over the number of inmates reportedly awaiting execution across Nigerian correctional facilities, urging authorities to establish the accurate figure and clarify the status of outstanding death sentences.

He argued that justice should not be viewed solely from the perspective of convicted persons, stressing that victims and their families also deserve protection and justice under the law.

Onagunwa also criticised human rights organisations campaigning against the execution of death sentences, questioning whether such advocacy adequately considers the rights of victims of violent crimes.

He maintained that where a competent court has imposed a death sentence following due process and the convict has exhausted available legal remedies, the government should take a clear and lawful position on the sentence.

“Whether one is dead or alive, the State must guarantee justice to all,” he said.

Onagunwa called for a broader national conversation on capital punishment, death-row administration and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He urged governments and relevant justice-sector institutions to ensure that death-row cases are handled transparently and in accordance with the law, while safeguarding fair hearing and other constitutional protections.

He said addressing the issue would help strengthen the rule of law, restore public confidence and ensure that victims of violent crimes are not forgotten in the pursuit of justice.

About Comrade Olusola A. Onagunwa

Comrade Olusola A. Onagunwa serves as the National President of the African Democratic Human Rights and Cultural Culture Advocate (ADHURIC). He is an advocate who has spoken publicly on issues relating to human rights, justice, public accountability and the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.