The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, May 9 endorsed the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses, replacing the previous maximum sentence of life imprisonment outlined in the NDLEA Act.
The Senate's decision came after deliberating on the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to update the roster of hazardous drugs, enhance NDLEA operations, revise penalties, and authorize the establishment of laboratories.
Section 11 of the current act, which mandates life imprisonment for drug-related offenses, including the trafficking of substances like cocaine, LSD, and heroin, was modified to impose the harsher penalty of death.
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Despite the absence of a recommendation for the death penalty in the report, Senator Ali Ndume proposed the amendment during deliberations.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin endorsed the amendment following a voice vote, despite objections from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who argued against hastiness in matters of life and death.
The bill successfully passed its third reading and gained Senate approval.
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