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
MARCH 24, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO KILLED ATTACKER IN ‘SELF-DEFENCE’
The Supreme Court of Nigeria on March 7, 2025 upheld the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer in his 30s, for killing a Fulani herdsman, Ardo Bawuro, in an altercation on his farmland.
MARCH 13, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: DEATH ROW INMATES NOW 3,688, AG NCOS CG TELLS SENATE
The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, on March 12, 2025 said 3,688 prisoners are currently on death row in various correctional centres across the country.
MARCH 6, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: TWO SENTENCED TO DEATH, SURGICAL CASTRATION OVER RAPE
Two persons have been sentenced to death by hanging, while another was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape in Kaduna.
MARCH 4, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR KILLING WIFE, BROTHER-IN-LAW IN LAGOS
A Lagos State High Court, presided over by Justice Sherifat Sonaike, at Tafawa Balewa Square, on February 27, 2025 sentenced Benjamin Ogundero to death by hanging for the murder of his wife, Chinyere Ogundero, and her brother, Ifeanyi Joseph, in April 202
FEBRUARY 24, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: COURT SLAMS DEATH SENTENCE ON MEN WHO RAIDED KANO FARM, KILLED OWNER
A Kano State High Court sentenced three middle-aged men to death by hanging after they were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, theft and homicide, Daily Trust reported on February 23, 2025.
FEBRUARY 20, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: EDO LAWMAKERS APPROVES DEATH SENTENCE FOR KIDNAPPERS
The Edo State House of Assembly on February 18, 2025 approved death sentence for kidnappers in the state.
FEBRUARY 17, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: COURT SENTENCES MAN TO DEATH BY HANGING IN RIVERS
The High Court of Rivers State sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced Mr. Eze Kingsley to death by hanging, for the murder of Wagbara David, The Sun reported on February 12, 2025.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: NAFDAC PROPOSES DEATH PENALTY FOR DEALERS OF HARMFUL DRUGS
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has proposed the introduction of the death penalty for drug peddlers
FEBRUARY 6, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: FIVE SENTENCED TO DEATH OVER 'WITCHCRAFT' MURDER
Five men have been sentenced to death by hanging in Nigeria's Kano state for the 2023 murder of a woman they accused of witchcraft, BBC News reported on February 4, 2025.
- JANUARY 30, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: 22-YEAR-OLD JAMIU SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR KILLING SEX WORKER
An Abeokuta High Court on January 22, 2025 sentenced 22-year-old Jamiu Malomo to death by hanging for stabbing a sex worker to death.
JANUARY 28, 2025NigeriaDEATH PENALTYNIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR STABBING FRIEND OVER PHONE CHARGER
A High Court in Bauchi State has sentenced Usman Abdullahi to death by hanging for the murder of Zaidu Adamu Kofar Dumi.
- DECEMBER 31, 2024NigeriaDEATH PENALTY
NIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR ORGAN HARVESTING IN NASARAWA
A Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Akwanga on December 31, 2024 sentenced Gambo Adamu to death by hanging for the murder of Hassan Ahmed, whose organs were harvested in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.