Breaking: Senate Passes Death Penalty for Drug Offences | ClipTV Online

The Nigerian Senate has approved amendments to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing a death penalty for drug-related offences. The decision came following the Senate’s consideration of a report from the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics.

Presenting the report during plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno highlighted the objectives of the bill, which include updating the list of dangerous drugs, strengthening NDLEA operations, reviewing penalties, and facilitating the establishment of laboratories.

One significant amendment involves Section 11 of the current act, which previously prescribed a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for offences related to drugs like cocaine, LSD, and heroin. The amended provision now stipulates the death penalty for such offences.

The proposal for the death penalty was raised by Senator Ali Ndume during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. Despite objections from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin ruled in favor of the amendment, citing the outcome of a voice vote.

While Oshiomhole argued against the hasty decision on matters of life and death, Jibrin maintained that the ruling was final, as there was no immediate call for a division after his decision.

Consequently, the bill was passed for the third reading and approved by the Senate, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to combating drug-related crimes.