After considering the report of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Senate has approved the death penalty for drug traffickers in the country.
The report was presented at plenary on Thursday by the Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North).
The bill, which passed a third reading, is aimed at updating the list of dangerous drugs, strengthening the operations of the NDLEA, reviewing penalties, and empowering the establishment of laboratories.
READ: Daniel Ojukwu: Journalists, CSOs Protest Unlawful Detention Of FIJ Journalist, Demand Release
Section 11 of the current act prescribes a life sentence for drug traffickers found guilty of the offence by a competent court. But the 2024 bill sought an amendment to reflect a stiffer penalty which is death.
Although the report did not recommend a death penalty for the offence, during consideration, Senator Ali Ndume moved that the life sentence should be upgraded to the death penalty.
During a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the amendment on the death penalty to a voice vote and ruled that the “ayes” had it.
But Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) argued that matters of life and death should not be treated hurriedly.
However, Barau said it was too late as he failed to call for division immediately after his ruling.
The bill was subsequently read for the third time and passed by the Senate.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
Tragedy struck at Oko Oba area of Lagos State when a man Taiwo Badejo, allegedly…
A security guard identified as Meshark Monday has been arrested by the Rivers State Police…
The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned the Federal Government over its proposal of N48,000 as…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has retracted its earlier directive asking banks and payment service…
The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was involved in a helicopter crash on…
A man has arrested his pastor for allegedly refusing to refund the sum of 900,000…
This website uses cookies.