Implications of Capital Punishment in the Nigerian Society

Abstract

Nigeria is a pluralistic society. It is diverse in many spheres of life such as language, creed, economy and other cultural worldviews. Consequently, there are high level of criminal tendencies which have posed serious challenges in Nigerian society. The long military rule did not help the situation. Rather, armed robbery, coup d'etre, murder, treason, felony, terrorism, drug trafficking and other crimes committed with firearms seem uncontrollable in Nigeria. The expectation is high in accessing functional means of arresting the cankerworm that has eaten deep into the very fabric of the Nigerian society. Although, opinion pool seems high on ways of moving Nigeria forward, however, mute indifference and cold passivity have characterized the cherished dreams of most Nigerians. The over emphasis on material gains have compounded and increased criminal tendencies in Nigerians. A systematic look at the implications of Capital Punishment remains a functional index to the roots of the problem of death penalty inNigeria. The thrust of this article is to explore and expose the nature of capital punishment, the various opinions for and against it and theimplications of capital punishment in the Nigerian .society This exposition would not have been possible without the primary and secondary complimentary methods adopted. Opinion seems divided on capital punishment but the cumulative force here points to the numerous committees, organizations and movements so that it is evil manipulative and a show of primitive brutality. It does not speak of a humane society except for the utilitarian argument to the effect that it is necessary in order to prevent future capital offences.