JUST IN: Senate Approves Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers

The Senate has given its stamp of approval to the imposition of the death penalty for individuals convicted of drug trafficking within the nation. This landmark decision overrides the previous maximum punishment of life imprisonment as outlined in the current National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.

The decision came after thorough deliberations on a report presented by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics, concerning the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North), Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, presented the report during the plenary session.

The bill, which underwent rigorous scrutiny and passed its third reading, encompasses a broad spectrum of objectives, including updating the list of dangerous drugs, fortifying the operations of the NDLEA, revising penalties, and facilitating the establishment of laboratories.

A crucial amendment to Section 11 of the current act was proposed, stipulating that individuals found guilty of various drug-related offenses, such as importing, manufacturing, producing, processing, planting, or growing drugs like cocaine, LSD, heroin, or similar substances, will now face the ultimate penalty: death.

Interestingly, while the committee’s report did not advocate for the death penalty, Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) moved for the elevation of the punishment from life imprisonment to capital punishment during the deliberations.

In a tense session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the proceedings, called for a voice vote on the amendment, determining that the “ayes” had it. However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised objections, contending that the “nays” held sway, stressing the gravity of decisions involving life and death. Despite his protest, the ruling was upheld as Oshiomhole failed to call for a division immediately after the announcement.

With this monumental decision, the bill was formally read for the third time and passed by the Senate, marking a significant shift in the nation’s stance on drug-related offenses.