Nigeria
2026
STATUSRetentionist
EXECUTIONS 20260
SENTENCES24
- GOVERNMENT
- federal presidential republic
- CONSTITUTION
- a new constitution was adopted in 1999
- LEGAL SYSTEM
- based on English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and tribal norms
- LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM
- bicameral, Senate and House of Representatives
- JUDICIAL SYSTEM
- Supreme Court (judges appointed by the Provisional Government Council); Federal Court of Appeal (judges appointed by the federal government on the recommendation of the Advisory Judicial Committee)
RELIGIONS
50% Muslims, 40% Christians, 10% local beliefs
From the country
- APRIL 28, 1999NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
On May 28, a Nigerian woman was beheaded in Mecca,...
On May 28, a Nigerian woman was beheaded in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for smuggling cocaine and heroin
- FEBRUARY 27, 1999NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
On February 27, former military ruler General Olusegun...
On February 27, former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo won the presidential elections that brought a democratic transition much closer
- JANUARY 1, 1999NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
The death penalty is provided for by the Criminal Code...
The death penalty is provided for by the Criminal Code and the legislation on civil disturbances for armed robbery, murder, treason, and offenses against the State
- JANUARY 1, 1999NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
Since coming to power, President Obasanjo has ordered...
Since coming to power, President Obasanjo has ordered the release of thousands of people held for more than two years while awaiting trial