Capital punishment in Nigeria : a theological approach

Abstract

In this seven-chapter-write-up, I shall concentrate on the moral aspect of the issue of capital punishment. My target and interest are ethical and scholarly. In other words the research is purely an academic exercise. It is not meant to attack any public policy whatsoever. The work follows scientifically library research, oral/personal interviews, and internet sources of information. My inclination to history and current affairs, as well as originality and oral tradition are other principal sources. Chapter one is a general background and deals with the concept of capital punishment. Religions and death penalty in Nigeria, as well as the role of civil law (legal framework) on the death penalty in Nigeria form part of this chapter. Chapter two is on how capital punishment in Nigeria has been evolving since the pre-colonial period to the twenty-first century Nigeria. Chapter three is all about the trends in human rights. This has to do with what says the Constitution; the views, opinions, and contributions of both local and foreign human rights groups. It is all about what is the right and normal approach to the wellbeing of citizens as contrasted with the prevalent jungle justice. Torture and other forms of human rights violations in Nigeria receive fair treatment here. Chapter four is a follow-up and a continuation of chapter three as it summarizes recommendations from some human rights groups. The menace and demerits of capital punishment are treated in Chapter five. This chapter also carries possible reasons why people oppose capital punishment; as well as risks, injustice, and factors militating against the application of international standards. Being mindful of the moral imperative not to kill, the work gives special attention to the issues regarding the dignity and sanctity of human life. This is contained in chapter six of this work. Also treated here are the contributions and views of the Church Hierarchies, both Catholic and Protestants alike. Finally, chapter seven is about the evaluation and conclusion that capital punishment is bad. Hence, the Government should seek better and more ethical ways of fighting crime. The bibliography is part of this last chapter.