Ogun govt moves cautiously on death penalty- Attorney General
Ogun State Attorney General Advocates Cautious Approach to Death Penalties
Abeokuta, Nigeria — Ogun State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, announced Friday that the state will adopt a cautious approach to carrying out death sentences. He emphasized a focus on only the most serious cases while reviewing others for potential clemency. Ogungbade’s remarks were made during an exclusive interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu.
The Attorney General reiterated the state’s commitment to upholding the law but underscored the necessity of thorough examination for each individual case, particularly in light of the irreversible consequences of capital punishment. Last year, Ogun State experienced a significant rise in violent crimes, including ritual killings and kidnappings.
“We are careful in determining which cases necessitate the enforcement of the death penalty as ordered by the courts,” Ogungbade stated. He noted that previous executions in the state had occurred in 2002, resulting in a considerable number of inmates on death row.
Ogungbade clarified that the review process will not involve reconsideration of evidence in cases concluded by the courts. He emphasized evaluating each convict based on the severity and premeditation of their crime. “Certain offenses, like planned ritual killings or child abductions, allow no room for leniency. However, in cases where death resulted from a moment of anger, the individual may not necessarily pose a risk to society if given another chance,” he explained.
Additionally, Ogungbade highlighted that the State Prerogative of Mercy Board has not granted pardons to convicts involved in ritual killings, kidnappings, or sexual offenses. “We strive to avoid sending mixed messages regarding these serious crimes,” he added.
He also announced that a new bill criminalizing ritual killings has been drafted and is expected to be submitted to the Ogun State House of Assembly within three weeks.
In a related discussion, the Attorney General addressed concerns regarding the misuse of law enforcement in civil matters, such as land disputes, tenancy issues, and marital conflicts. He cautioned against criminalizing these issues, referencing a recent incident in Mowe involving a landlord and a tenant.
“We are overburdening law enforcement agencies with cases that should properly be addressed in civil courts,” Ogungbade stated. He urged individuals involved in contract disputes or property disagreements to seek legal counsel instead of resorting to law enforcement intervention.
