The Senate has approved the death sentence as penalty for drug traffickers in the country, as it passes through the third reading, the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.
The historic decision came after a rigorous session where senators deliberated on the proposed amendment, ultimately passing it through its third reading.
The proposal to escalate the penalty for drug trafficking from a life sentence to capital punishment was put forth during a clause-by-clause examination of the amendment bill.
Led by Senator Tahir Munguno, Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics, the Senate scrutinized various provisions of the bill with the aim of bolstering the efficacy of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The pivotal moment arrived when the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, proposed the amendment to impose the death penalty on drug traffickers, eliciting a fervent debate among lawmakers.
Initially, a voice vote suggested the nays had it, but upon a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the ayes, leading to a momentary uproar among dissenting senators.
Among those voicing discontent was Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who decried what he perceived as rushed consideration and passage of the amended clause. Despite objections raised by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, the Deputy Senate President upheld the decision, citing procedural guidelines.
