Death Row: 844 Spend 25yrs In Prison

The National Committee Against Torture, has said that the more than 844 prisoners on death row in the country had spent an average of 25 years in prison.

Mr Olawale Fapohunda, Vice Chairman of the Committee, stated this on Friday in a meeting with the European Union (EU) delegation in Abuja.

Fapohunda said that the committee was opposed to the calls for their execution, as, according to him, their continuous incarceration amounted to torture.

“Inasmuch as we are against their execution, it is, however, a known fact that, they have in no small measure contributed to the congestion of the prison.

“The authority must find a middle way to solve the puzzle; we are totally against their killing.

“The speedy reform of the criminal justice system and all other related agencies to conform to international standard will redress these challenges,” he said.

Fapohunda also explained that more than 25,000 persons were awaiting trial in prisons, adding that the committee had advised the authorities to quickens the trial of the cases.

Earlier, Justice Samson Ameh, Chairman of the Committee had hinged their challenges to the population of the country, saying “we require the assistance of the EU in the education of the populace”.

On the Anti-Torture Bill pending at the National Assembly, Ameh said the speedy passage of the legislation into law was the antidote for the widespread violation of human rights in the country.

“The authority has shown flashes of interests to ensure that the country abide by all international human rights treaties”, he added.

Mrs Belen Uyara, Head, Political and Economic, Trade of the EU, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction on the steps taken so far by the country to enthrone civilised society.

Uyara explained that the developed world, especially the EU, was concerned about the recent ethnic and religious clashes in the country.

Mr Stefan Scholz, Ambassador of Austria, however, said the country had genuinely taken steps to enthrone the rule of law.

He said the country required assistance to fully develop its criminal justice system.