Ogun State government says it will proceed cautiously with death sentences, carrying out only the most serious cases while reviewing others for possible redemption, citing the irreversible nature of capital punishment.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, disclosed these developments during an exclusive interview on Frontline, Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, On Friday.
Speaking over a year after first raising alarm over rising violent crimes including ritual killings, kidnapping, and “courtesy offenses,” Ogungbade said the state remains committed to enforcing the law, but with careful scrutiny of individual cases.
“Because of the finality of the death penalty, we want to isolate cases where the sentence must be carried out as pronounced by the court of law. We do not want to rush this process,” he explained, highlighting the high number of inmates on death row due to executions last occurring in 2002.
Death Penalty: Careful Deliberation, Not Delay
Ogungbade clarified that the review process does not involve seeking fresh evidence in cases already adjudicated by competent courts. Rather, the government is assessing each convicted individual based on the severity and premeditation of the crime.
“Some crimes, like a planned ritual killing or child abduction, leave no room for leniency. But in cases where a person caused death in a fit of anger, they may not pose a societal danger if given another chance,” he said.
He also emphasized that the State Prerogative of Mercy Board has not approved pardons for convicts of ritual killings, kidnapping, or sexual offenses, noting:
“We do not want to send conflicting signals. Recognizing these crimes as prevalent means we cannot grant pardon to those who have committed them.”
Legislating Against Ritual Killings
Addressing the absence of specific legislation for ritual killings, Ogungbade confirmed that a new bill criminalizing ritual killings has been finalized and will be submitted to the state House of Assembly within three weeks.
“Currently, suspects are charged under murder or corpse-desecration laws, which does not address the problem adequately. This new bill is the first of its kind in Nigeria and will strengthen deterrence,” he said.
Civil Disputes: Police Should Not Be Involved
Ogungbade also tackled growing concerns over the misuse of law enforcement in civil matters, including tenancy, domestic disputes, and land conflicts. Citing a recent case in Mowe where a woman was arrested by her landlord, he warned against criminalizing civil issues:
“We are overburdening the law enforcement agencies with cases that should go to civil courts. If someone has a contract dispute or a disagreement over property, the proper channel is to instruct a lawyer and seek redress in court not to involve the police or the army,” he stressed.
He noted that while civil matters can occasionally escalate into criminal offenses, the distinction must be carefully maintained:
“Sometimes the lines are blurred, but they still exist. Each case must be treated on its merits. Police officers who overstep in civil matters are subject to disciplinary action.”
The Attorney General emphasized that each case must be evaluated on its merits, noting that while some disputes may contain both civil and criminal elements, careful assessment is essential to avoid wrongful criminalization.
Land Disputes: An Evolving Challenge
The Attorney General also highlighted Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos as a key driver of land-related disputes, ranging from unlawful acquisition to intra-family conflicts over property.
“When land is scarce and valuable, disputes are inevitable. We’ve filed charges against traditional rulers to send a clear message that no one is above the law,” he said, adding that land-related offenses are evolving and require continuous legal vigilance.
He added that the state has actively prosecuted offenders, including traditional rulers, to send a strong deterrent message: “Nobody will be spared when it comes to illegal occupation or land grabbing.”
Judicial Efficiency: Increasing Judges and Infrastructure
Ogungbade also highlighted the critical role of judicial infrastructure in ensuring efficient justice delivery, stressing that increasing the number of judges is only effective if the supporting courts and facilities are in place.
He revealed that the federal government had recently expanded the number of judges in the Appellate and Federal High Courts to reduce case backlogs, and Ogun State intends to replicate this approach. “An efficient justice delivery system is non-negotiable for peace, investment, and public confidence. You cannot simply add judges without providing courts, tools, and support for them to function. Before the exit of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, we will ensure that Ogun State has the infrastructure to match any increase in judicial capacity,” he said.
State Police Support
Ogungbade reaffirmed Ogun State Government’s full support for the establishment of police forces under state control, arguing that locally based policing is essential for effective law enforcement.
While the federal police remain the primary security agency, their reach is often limited in remote or fast-growing communities. “We recognize that policing has to be locally based. It is difficult for a force seated in Abuja to police the entirety of the population effectively, especially in the nooks and crannies of local states,” he said. He added that the state has already observed the benefits of pilot initiatives, which will eventually transition into a fully operational state police, enhancing rapid response and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.
The Attorney General stressed that state police is intended to complement, not replace federal security efforts, providing timely intervention in crime-prone areas and strengthening public safety. “State police is not about undermining the federal structure; it is about enhancing public safety, ensuring law enforcement is accessible and responsive, and ultimately protecting citizens more effectively,” Ogungbade said.
He assured that Ogun State would continue to collaborate with federal authorities and local communities to ensure that, once operational, state police officers maintain professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.
