Amnesty International has once again emphasized the urgent need for both the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria to completely abolish the death penalty across the nation. This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Abuja to commemorate the World Day Against Death Penalty, an event organized to raise awareness about the inhumane and irreversible nature of capital punishment. During the program, Mrs. Barbara Magaji, the Programmes Manager of Amnesty International Nigeria, called on Nigerian authorities to take decisive action toward ending the death penalty. She highlighted that the death penalty not only violates the right to life but also undermines human dignity. According to her, the irreversible consequences of wrongful convictions and the failure of fair trial standards make the abolition of the death penalty a critical human rights issue. The event, organized by Amnesty International in partnership with the French Embassy in Nigeria, served as a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders, including policymakers, legal experts, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. Participants examined the current state of capital punishment in Nigeria, shared research findings, and discussed feasible policy alternatives to ensure justice reform that upholds international human rights standards. Mrs. Magaji reiterated Amnesty International’s commitment to advocating for justice and human rights globally. She encouraged Nigeria to follow the lead of countries that have either abolished the death penalty or placed a moratorium on its use. The discussion also emphasized that the death penalty has not proven to deter crime more effectively than other forms of punishment. Instead, it perpetuates cycles of violence and injustice, particularly in a justice system that often faces challenges such as corruption, lack of legal representation, and inadequate investigations. In her address, Mrs. Magaji urged the Nigerian government to strengthen rehabilitation and reformation systems rather than resorting to execution. She also appealed to the media and human rights institutions to amplify the conversation on the death penalty and its moral, social, and legal implications. Stakeholders at the event agreed that it is time for Nigeria to align its criminal justice system with global human rights principles by adopting alternative punishments that respect life and dignity. They called for a collective movement that includes government bodies, human rights organizations, and international partners to end capital punishment once and for all. Amnesty International’s campaign against the death penalty is part of its global effort to promote justice and equality under the law. The organization continues to encourage nations to choose life over death by implementing laws that promote fairness, compassion, and human rights.
Amnesty International Nigeria has formally called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive and urgent action regarding the disappearance of Nigerian university lecturer and social media commentator, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who vanished under mysterious circumstances in Kaduna State six years ago. The global human rights organization expressed deep concern over the prolonged silence and lack of credible investigation into the lecturer’s abduction, which occurred on August 2, 2019. Amnesty International urged the President to demonstrate leadership by addressing what previous administrations failed to resolve. Amnesty: Six Years of Government Silence Is Unacceptable While speaking to journalists at a press conference held in Kaduna, Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the persistent inaction and seeming indifference of the Nigerian government in the face of an unresolved and suspicious disappearance. Sanusi stressed that six years is an agonizingly long period, especially for the loved ones of someone forcibly taken, and yet the authorities have made no transparent effort to uncover the truth behind Dadiyata’s disappearance. He emphasized that President Tinubu has a moral and constitutional responsibility to show commitment where his predecessor failed. Crackdown on Critics and Culture of Silence According to Amnesty’s findings and observations over the years, critical voices in Nigeria—like Dadiyata—have increasingly come under attack. Isa Sanusi noted that the past few years have witnessed unlawful detentions, harassment, and legally questionable actions against dissenting voices and government critics. He further pointed out that state actors have engaged in vexatious litigation and intimidation, all of which create an environment of fear, insecurity, and repression. This is why the government’s passive stance on Dadiyata’s case is not only alarming but symptomatic of a wider crisis in democratic expression and freedom of speech in Nigeria. Six Years, No Update—No Justice Sanusi lamented the fact that apart from unfulfilled and superficial promises by the police to investigate, there has been no concrete action or update six years after the incident. He stated: “The Nigerian police and security agencies have not made any meaningful progress or publicly disclosed any findings. This total lack of accountability deepens the pain of Dadiyata’s family and erodes public trust.” He added that enforced disappearances like Dadiyata’s are characteristic of societies where rule of law is weak, and such acts are explicitly prohibited under international human rights law. Enforced disappearances also infringe upon numerous fundamental rights including the right to liberty, security, and access to justice. Call for Transparency and Accountability Amnesty International insists that Nigerian authorities must close all speculative narratives surrounding Dadiyata’s fate by conducting a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation. The government must also make the findings public to bring closure to the victim’s family, friends, and the broader community affected by this tragedy. Sanusi reiterated that such unresolved abductions instill widespread fear, not only within families directly affected but also among communities across Nigeria. This, in turn, contributes to a climate of terror and silence, which is antithetical to democratic principles and human rights. Abduction Details: A Night of Horror in Kaduna To recall the tragic incident, Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata) returned to his Kaduna residence on the evening of August 2, 2019, after a long day. Just as he was about to lock his front gate, he was ambushed by unknown armed men, reportedly wearing masks and heavily armed. Eyewitness accounts from his family say the assailants forced him into his own vehicle and drove off, vanishing without a trace. Since that day, there has been no contact or demand, and the perpetrators have never been identified or apprehended. Amnesty International and numerous Nigerians believe that Dadiyata’s disappearance is likely connected to his vocal criticism of government policies and politicians on social media. The organization insists that no individual should be targeted for exercising their right to free expression.
