INDONESIA. NIGERIANS SENTENCED TO DEATH OPT FOR REVIEW

November 6, 2008: the News Agency of Nigeria reported that eighteen Nigerians sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia have opted for the review of their cases. Sources at the Nigerian embassy say that their lawyers have filed the appeals with the prosecutor.
"They opted for the review of their cases instead of seeking for clemency for fear of being denied the clemency by the authority. "The Indonesian President hardly grants clemency for drug convicts. Once he turns down pleas for clemency on behalf of convicts twice execution is imminent and automatic,’’ the source said. And by filing for a review of their cases, "they can still prolong the finality of their conviction and buy some time.’’
The Nigerian Ambassador to Indonesia, Alhaji Ibrahim Mai-Sule, said he is optimistic about the visit of the Special Envoy to President Yar’Adua, Chief Ojo Maduekwe who came to seek clemency for the convicted Nigerians. (Sources: Ngez.com, 06/11/2008)