Ogun to Sign Death Warrants for Condemned Criminals, Says Attorney General

The Ogun State Government has announced its readiness to sign Death Warrants for criminals convicted by competent courts, emphasizing its commitment to curbing heinous crimes such as cultism, ritual killings, and kidnapping.

This position was disclosed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Ibara, Abeokuta, on Friday. 

The Attorney General, after touring the facilities and interacting with officers, expressed concern over the rising wave of violent crimes in the state.

According to Mr. Ogungbade, implementing the death penalty in deserving cases will send a strong message to potential offenders that Ogun State will not tolerate such criminal activities. 

He remarked, "Ogun State is not a place where you can commit serious crimes and get away with it."

He noted that despite security agencies’ proactive efforts, the persistence of crimes like ritual killings points to a flawed perception that offenders face no significant repercussions. 

“The law provides for the death penalty in cases like murder. While there has been nationwide reluctance to enforce this penalty, particularly since the advent of democracy, Ogun State is prepared to uphold the law as written,” Ogungbade stated.

The Attorney General emphasized that the Governor is fully aware of his constitutional duties and will not shy away from signing Death Warrants when necessary. 

“The governor, upon taking the oath of office, accepted the responsibilities it entails, including signing Death Warrants. In deserving cases, this constitutional duty will be carried out systematically and not recklessly,” he added.

Ogungbade highlighted the importance of ensuring that offenders face fair trials and exhaust all appeals before any execution is considered. 

“When someone has gone through a fair trial and utilized all appeals, we will seriously consider implementing those judgments as a deterrent to others who may be contemplating such crimes,” he assured.

The Commissioner also commended the state government’s efforts in granting amnesty to some condemned inmates, converting death sentences to life imprisonment, or reducing life sentences to fixed terms. 

He stressed that while the government has shown leniency in appropriate cases, punishment remains an essential deterrent.

Mr. Ogungbade attributed the surge in criminal activities to a breakdown in societal values and criticized families who shield offenders instead of condemning their actions. 

He lamented, “In the past, families would alert law enforcement when a relative committed a crime. Today, we see families shielding criminals. Unless we reassess our value system, this trend will persist. We need to return to the foundational role of the family in upholding moral values.”

Regarding his visit to the Correctional Centre, Ogungbade explained that it was aimed at assessing the conditions of the inmates and the facilities to ensure they function effectively. 

“We must ensure that correctional facilities serve their purpose without subjecting inmates to unnecessary suffering,” he concluded.