The Senate on Thursday, May 9, 2024 approved the death penalty for drug trafficking convictions, upgrading the existing maximum sentence of life imprisonment under the NDLEA Act.
The Senate’s resolution followed its consideration of the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to update the list of dangerous drugs, strengthen NDLEA operations, review penalties, and empower the establishment of laboratories.
Section 11 of the current act prescribes that “any person who, without lawful authority; imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life” was amended to reflect a stiffer penalty of death.
Although the report did not recommend a death penalty, Senator Ali Ndume moved to upgrade the life sentence to death during consideration.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin ruled in favor of the amendment after a voice vote, despite Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s objection that matters of life and death should not be treated hastily.
The bill passed its third reading and was approved by the Senate.
