Following the high rate of criminality in Ogun State, the state government on Friday announced that it is contemplating signing the death warrants of condemned offenders sentenced by competent courts.

According to the government, this move would deter others from committing heinous crimes in the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, made this known after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.

Ogungbade expressed concern over the rise in violent crimes in the state in recent years, including cultism, ritual killings, and kidnapping.

He emphasized that the state government is prepared to take decisive action by issuing death warrants and enforcing the law.

He said: “I can tell you that we are seriously considering sending a strong message that Ogun State is not a place where you can commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

“The law, as it stands today, stipulates that offenses like murder attract the death penalty, among others. However, if you look at it nationally, there has been a reluctance by state governments, particularly since the advent of democratic rule, to sign death warrants. But I assure you that we are now looking very seriously at following the law to the letter.

“It is part of the governor’s duty to sign death warrants, and I am certain that when he took the oath of office, he fully understood the responsibilities that come with it. He is a governor who upholds the rule of law, so I assure you that in deserving cases, he will not shy away from this constitutional duty.

“Though I may not provide a timeline, I can only say that in deserving cases, which we are currently reviewing, it will happen.

“If someone has gone through the process of a fair trial and exhausted all appeals, we will seriously consider implementing those judgments, hoping it serves as a deterrent to others who might intend to carry out similar crimes. However, I assure you we will be systematic and not reckless about it.”

He further stated that the current administration has made significant progress in granting amnesty to individuals previously sentenced to death, converting such sentences to life imprisonment, reducing life sentences to fixed terms, and ensuring that punishment serves as a deterrent.

The commissioner attributed the rise in criminal activity to a breakdown in moral principles and the encouragement of criminals by family members. He noted that this goes against African values, which condemn criminal behavior and demand punishment for offenders.

Ogungbade added that his visit to the Correctional Centre was to ensure the facility was functioning as intended and that inmates were not subjected to inhumane conditions.

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