The Nigerian Senate has passed for third reading the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, thereby approving de@th sentence as the maximum penalty for drŭg traffickers in the country.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the bill was discussed on Thursday when the Senate convened as a Committee of the Whole to review a report from its Joint Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, and Drŭgs & Narcotics.
The Bill to Strengthen NDLEA
The report, presented by Senator Tahir Munguno, chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, aimed to strengthen the anti-narcotics agency.
During the review, Senate Chief Whip proposed amendment to impose a de@th sentence on drŭg traffickers, instead of a life sentence, which was eventually adopted. However, some lawmakers expressed discontent with the new provision, sparking a brief uproar in the chamber.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized the hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause, but his request to reverse the ruling was rejected by the Deputy Senate President, who insisted it came too late.