FG Opposes Death Penalty for Kidnapping, Warns Senate of Extradition, Terror Risks - Newstrends
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FG Opposes Death Penalty for Kidnapping, Warns Senate of Extradition, Terror Risks

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FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi

FG Opposes Death Penalty for Kidnapping, Warns Senate of Extradition, Terror Risks

The federal government has formally opposed a proposal by the Senate to amend Nigeria’s anti-terrorism law to impose the death penalty for kidnapping-related offences, warning that such a move could undermine international counter-terrorism cooperation and create safe havens for suspects abroad.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated the government’s position on Thursday during a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, jointly organised by the Senate committees on human rights and legal matters, national security and intelligence, and interior.

Fagbemi cautioned that many countries opposed to capital punishment may refuse to extradite suspects who could face execution in Nigeria, thereby frustrating efforts to bring terrorism suspects to justice.

“We must consider the practical bottleneck that the inclusion of the death penalty creates for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance,” the AGF said. “Many of our international partners in the global war on terror will not extradite high-profile suspects if they face the risk of capital punishment.”

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He warned that the proposed provision could inadvertently turn foreign countries into safe havens for terrorism suspects, as courts abroad may block extradition on human rights grounds.

The bill, titled Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB.969), was sponsored by all senators. It was introduced for first reading on November 27, a day after the Senate resolved to classify kidnapping as terrorism and prescribe death penalty without the option of a fine. The bill passed second reading on December 3.

Fagbemi said the federal government’s opposition was based on legal, strategic and human rights considerations, adding that the death penalty could also strengthen extremist narratives.

“From a tactical perspective, the proposal should be reviewed because it inadvertently facilitates the ‘martyrdom’ trap,” he said, warning that executions could be used by terrorist groups to fuel recruitment and retaliatory violence.

The AGF also cited the reluctance of state governors to sign execution warrants, noting that this has effectively created a de facto moratorium on executions, leaving inmates on death row in prolonged legal limbo and worsening prison congestion.

“By keeping these high-risk individuals in the general prison population for decades, we inadvertently create ‘radicalisation hubs’,” he said.

Fagbemi further cautioned against the irreversibility of capital punishment, pointing to the risk of judicial error if new evidence emerges after execution.

Responding, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonire, chairman of the Senate committee on human rights and legal matters, assured that lawmakers would carefully consider all submissions before taking a final decision on the bill.

FG Opposes Death Penalty for Kidnapping, Warns Senate of Extradition, Terror Risks

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OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

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OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, is investigating the death of a final-year student of the institution.

The student, Oluwole Oluwosegun, was studying Materials Science and Engineering at the university.

According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olarewaju Abiodun, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the student’s off-campus residence around the Damico area of Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife.

After receiving the report, the university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team went to the location. The team also contacted the Nigeria Police, after which officers from the ‘A’ Division in Moore, Ile-Ife, joined them at the scene.

The university later took the student to its Health Centre, where a medical doctor confirmed his death.

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Police Begin Investigation

Following the incident, university authorities handed relevant information and items recovered from the scene to the police to support their investigation.

The police have since begun inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Meanwhile, the university said it had informed the appropriate student affairs authorities to provide necessary follow-up, particularly regarding the welfare and emotional support of students affected by the incident.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire also expressed condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues.

The university further encouraged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressure or other personal challenges to seek help from trusted people and available university support services.

Professor Bamire reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the welfare of its students and staff, stressing that no student should feel they must face overwhelming difficulties alone.

OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe

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Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

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Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

Basic education officials deliver modern classrooms to help children learn safely, kicking off an ambitious statewide renovation drive.

State education leaders in Niger State are calling on neighborhood residents and parent groups to take good care of newly renovated primary schools.

On Wednesday, the head of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, reminded communities that public classrooms belong to everyone, warning that state funding can only make a lasting difference when local people watch over these shared spaces.

To prepare for handing over the keys, board officials visited Zango Primary School in Kontagora and Richard Lander Primary School in New Bussa. These two locations are the first to finish out of seven model schools currently under construction.

During their visits, team members inspected classrooms to make sure builders followed high safety standards, while encouraging neighbors to keep the grounds secure, tidy, and ready for pupils.

Furthermore, state officials explained that these building projects are part of a larger plan to improve early education across every community. Alongside these new classrooms, the board is starting repair work on about 400 primary schools throughout the state.

In addition to fixing desks and roofs, authorities are upgrading classroom teaching tools and supporting teachers. As a result, children across all backgrounds will have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and grow together.

 

Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools

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Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

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Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
A typical sign of Diphtheria
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.

Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.

The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.

Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.

Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

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