Senate Approves Death Penalty for Drug Dealers and Importers

In a contentious session on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate passed a significant amendment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, approving the imposition of the death penalty for dealers and importers of hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin into the country.

The decision to escalate the punishment from life imprisonment to the death penalty was proposed by Senate Whip, Ali Ndume, who argued for a tougher stance against drug-related offences, citing the global standard.

Ndume emphasized the need to address the pervasive issue of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, by imposing stricter penalties.

However, the proposal faced opposition from some senators, including former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who expressed concerns about the gravity of the decision involving matters of life and death.

Oshiomhole called for a division of the Senate, insisting on a formal vote rather than a voice vote to ensure accountability in the legislative process.

Despite his objections, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, upheld the decision of the majority and overruled Oshiomhole’s request for a division.

Similarly, Senator Sampson Ekong from Akwa Ibom State voiced his dissent, but like Oshiomhole, his objections were overruled by the presiding officer.

Following the heated debate, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill for a third reading, solidifying the amendment that included the death penalty provision for drug dealers and importers.

The decision was upheld despite the reservations expressed by Oshiomhole and Ekong.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Mohammed Monguno, Chairman of the Joint Committee responsible for the bill, affirmed the approval of the death sentence by the Senate.

Monguno clarified that the ruling of the presiding officer represented the position of the Senate, indicating that the objections raised during the session did not alter the final decision.