AGF Objects to Senate’s Push for Death Penalty for Kidnapping

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has opposed the Senate’s proposal to amend Nigeria’s anti-terrorism law to impose the death penalty for kidnapping-related offences. Fagbemi warned that the move could have far-reaching legal and diplomatic consequences for Nigeria, potentially weakening the country’s cooperation with international partners in the fight against terrorism.

Many countries refuse to extradite suspects who may face execution, and foreign courts often block extradition on human rights grounds where the death penalty applies, potentially creating safe havens for terrorism suspects, he said. The AGF made the government’s position known at a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Fagbemi noted that the death penalty could fuel extremist narratives, encouraging convicted terrorists to embrace “martyrdom” and inspire further violence. He also highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing de facto moratorium on executions due to governors’ reluctance to sign death warrants, leaving many death-row inmates in legal limbo and worsening prison congestion.

The bill, which seeks to classify kidnapping as terrorism and prescribe death as the mandatory punishment, has sparked debate. Senators will consider stakeholders’ submissions before making a final decision, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, Adeniyi Adegbonire, said.