21 Nigerians On Death Row in Indonesia for Drug Trafficking

In Indonesia, about 21 Nigerians are on death roll as a result of drug trafficking. 

A Nigerian man, Okuwdili Aotanze is to be executed in Indonesia for drug trafficking offences. However, some reports claim that he has turned a new lead in prison and even went as far as creating a gospel band while in prison. He released his first album in 2008 titled ‘God You Know’’ and has over 70 written songs according to reports.

It will be remembered that in May 16, 2012, the senate distanced itself from calls to intervene in the plight of 16 Nigerians facing death penalty for drug trafficking in Indonesia, saying that they must face the law.

Over 300 Nigerians are said to be serving various jail terms in Indonesian prisons for peddling hard drugs while 21 of them are on death row

The Senate reached the resolution after a motion brought by Senator Mathew Nwagwu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, raised the matter concerning the plight of the Nigerians.

He had argued that the persons numbering 16 as at 2012, were languishing in Indonesian jails, and called for an intervention of the government to either reduce or review the cases against them.

But President of the Senate, David Mark, said there was little or nothing the government could do to save the convicts, since their actions were in complete violation of the laws of Indonesia.

While dismissing the motion, Mark said the prisoners had themselves to blame because they knew the consequences of trafficking in drugs, yet went ahead to commit the crimes.

In Indonesia, there is a harsh law against drug trafficking and anyone caught n the act will definitely face the law. Presently there are about 21 Nigerians on death row for trafficking.

Other Nigerians up for execution are Jamiu Owolabi Abashin, who was caught smuggling Heroin, and Silvester Obiekwe. 40-yr-old Ayotanze was caught in 2001 trying to smuggle 1.15 kilograms of heroin from Pakistan into Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta.

The date of execution is still unknown, but all the executions will happen simultaneously with Okwudili, Abashin, Obiekwe and seven other felons who were convicted of drug smuggling. One Gabriel Nnadi died in prison, while another detainee, Daniel Enemon, was killed recently and buried in February 6, 2015 in Enugu