In a recent interview on Channels TV Politics Today, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume expressed his support for the death penalty as a deterrent for corruption, specifically for those who embezzle large sums of government money. He stated that while politicians are often accused of corruption, the majority of corruption is people-driven, and politicians often share stolen funds with their constituents.
Ndume clarified that he would only support the death penalty for individuals who steal enormous amounts, such as one trillion naira, and not for those who steal smaller amounts like one million or one billion naira. He emphasized that the death penalty is a suitable deterrent for drug traffickers, as they destroy lives and kill people.
This statement comes after the Senate passed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment Bill) 2024, which prescribes the death penalty for persons found guilty of trading in hard drugs and narcotics. However, legal experts and civil society organizations have criticized the bill, advocating for alternative solutions like strict border control and addressing poverty to combat drug trafficking.