From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Former Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, has expressed concern over the persistent refusal of Nigerian state governors to sign death warrants for inmates on death row after exhausting all legal appeals.
Justice Bello argued that this inaction fosters criminality and undermines the justice system, allowing condemned inmates to remain on death row for years and contributing to prison overcrowding.
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He made the remarks during the second edition of the Nigeria Human Rights Conference held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Independence Layout, Enugu, with the theme “The right to development, rule of law and the Nigerian dream.”
The former Chief Judge stressed that signing death warrants is a constitutional duty critical to the enforcement of justice and law, noting that excuses such as humanitarian concerns or legal complexities are often rooted in misconceptions about constitutional responsibilities.
He warned that the refusal to perform this duty indirectly emboldens criminals and weakens law and order.
“If you are a judge, a case comes before you; you hear it and fairly decide. If your decision is in a civil matter, you will do the needful as the law requires of you. If it is criminal, you make a conviction and if there’s any role for any governor, let him perform it.
“By refusing to fulfill their constitutional obligations as required by the law, they indirectly encourage the criminals in their atrocities,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Prison Reforms and Decongestion, Bello revealed that many inmates have languished on death row for years due to the failure of governors to act.
“Signing death warrants is a critical component of the criminal justice process, not just to enforce the law but also to ease the burden on overcrowded prison facilities.
“Some governors have expressed humanitarian concerns, while others cite complexities in the legal system as reasons for not signing death warrants,” he noted.
Bello also emphasised the urgent need for increased funding and investment in the judiciary, the police, and other law enforcement institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“What investment is done in the judiciary, in the police, among others? Wherever there is responsibility, there’s need for funding,” he added.
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