In Nigeria, the death penalty remains a legal punishment for grave crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason. Under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, individuals found guilty of such offenses may be sentenced to death by a competent court. While execution requires the governor’s signature, many convicted persons remain on death row, awaiting this final approval.
1. Andrew Ominikoron – Murder and Rape of Bamise Ayanwola
In April 2025, the Lagos High Court sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron to death for the rape and murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola. Justice Sherifat Sonaike ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the “last seen” principle and the victim’s dying declaration. The case drew national attention in 2022 when Bamise went missing after boarding a BRT bus in Ajah. Her body was later discovered under Carter Bridge.
2. Private Adamu Mohammed – Murder of Girlfriend
A General Court Martial in Enugu sentenced Nigerian Army Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Hauwa Ali. The 11-member panel, presided over by Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, found him guilty under the Armed Forces Act. The trial followed a thorough investigation and proceedings initiated in February 2025.
3. Peter Nwachukwu – Murder of Gospel Singer Osinachi Nwachukwu
Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, was sentenced to death by hanging by a High Court in Abuja. The court found him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death in April 2022. Though her death was initially attributed to throat cancer, investigations and testimonies revealed a history of domestic abuse. Seventeen witnesses, including the couple’s children, testified during the trial.
4. Abdulmalik Tanko – Kidnapping and Murder of Hanifa Abubakar
On July 28, 2022, the Kano State High Court sentenced Abdulmalik Tanko, proprietor of Noble Kids College, and two accomplices to death by hanging for the kidnapping and murder of five-year-old pupil Hanifa Abubakar. Hanifa was abducted while returning from Islamiyya School in December 2021 and later killed and buried in a shallow grave. The court also sentenced the convicts to five years each for conspiracy.
5. Ramon Adedoyin – Murder of Timothy Adegoke
Hotel owner Ramon Adedoyin was sentenced to death by the Court of Appeal in Akure for the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student. The appellate court upheld the earlier judgment of the Osun State High Court. However, it overturned other parts of the lower court’s decision, including orders related to property forfeiture and educational compensation for the victim’s children.
Additional Case: Sunday Jackson
In 2015, farmer and student Sunday Jackson was sentenced to death for culpable homicide by a Yola High Court. During a dispute over destroyed crops, Jackson was attacked by a herdsman and responded in self-defense. Though his actions led to the herdsman’s death, the court found him guilty under Section 211 of the penal code.
These cases highlight the gravity with which Nigeria’s judicial system addresses violent crimes, and the continuing use of capital punishment for those convicted of the most serious offenses.