Nigeria
2026
- 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
SEPTEMBER 6, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR PARDONS 150 INMATES, INCLUDING FIVE ON DEATH ROW
The governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawallen, on 9 August 2019 granted amnesty to 150 inmates at the Gusau Maximum Security Prison.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR KILLING GIRLFRIEND IN ONDO
An Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital on 3 September 2019 sentenced a 26-year-old man, Saliu Oladayo to death by hanging, for killing his girlfriend, late Confidence Ebere.
- AUGUST 9, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: COURT SENTENCES 2 TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR ROBBERY
Two men have been sentenced to death by hanging by a High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti for robbery and illegal possession of firearms, the Leadership reported on 8 August 2019.
AUGUST 8, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: NOTORIOUS SERIAL KILLER SENTENCED TO DEATH IN KANO
A notorious criminal and serial killer, Umar Yakubu, has been sentenced to death by a Kano State High Court, The Daily Post reported on 31 July 2019.
JULY 30, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: TRUCK DRIVER SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR CRUSHING MAN TO DEATH
An Abeokuta High Court on 26 July 2019 sentenced a truck driver, Monsuni Waidi, to death by hanging for killing a passenger.
- JULY 8, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: 83-YEAR-OLD FATHER, SON AND COUSIN RELEASED AFTER 14 YEARS ON DEATH ROW FOR MURDER THEY DIDN’T COMMIT
For 14 years, an innocent family of three including an 86-year-old man had to wait in uncertainty and fear as they served a life sentence for a crime they never committed.
JULY 3, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: TARABA STATE ASSEMBLY ADOPTS DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPERS
The Taraba House of Assembly on 2 July 2019 amended the state Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Act 2010, to introduce death penalty and life imprisonment for offenders.
JUNE 18, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: MAN WRONGLY SENTENCED TO DEATH REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER 16 YEARS IN JAIL
Mr. Oyenye Obasi, a 33-year-old man who was convicted at the age of 17 in Ibadan, regained freedom through the prerogative of mercy granted by former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the tail end of his administration.
- JUNE 12, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR KILLING HIS GIRLFRIEND IN YOBE
A Yobe High Court on 11 June 2019 sentenced one Muhammed Adamu to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend, Hauwa Muhammad, 24.
JUNE 6, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: FARMER SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING IN DELTA
A High Court sitting at Ughelli on 30 May 2019 sentenced a 40-year old farmer, Alex Obigho to death by hanging for the murder of the personal steward/cook to the traditional ruler of Kiagbodo community.
- MAY 30, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: COURT SENTENCES BENINOISE HOUSEKEEPER TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR MURDER
A Lagos High Court, sitting in Igbosere on 27 May 2019, sentenced a Béninoise house help, Christian Hounvenon Yavine, to death by hanging for murdering a 78-year-old woman, Mariam Atinuke Abiola.
MAY 29, 2019NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: KATSINA ANNOUNCES DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPERS, RUSTLERS
The Katsina State Government on 24 May 2019 introduced the death penalty for kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the state.