The Nigerian Constitution states at Part II, Chapter...

The Nigerian Constitution states at Part II, Chapter IV on Fundamental Rights, Art.33. (1) that "Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria."
The death penalty is provided for by the Criminal Code and legislation on civil disturbances. Since 1999, 12 northern states have introduced Islamic Sharia law in criminal justice. The introduction of Sharia law poses a constitutional problem as the federal constitution declares Nigeria a secular state. The Constitution of Nigeria, at Part II Article 10 of the general provisions, states that there is no state religion.