NIGERIA: SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS DEATH SENTENCE

February 6, 2009: the Nigerian Supreme Court affirmed the death sentence of Suleiman Olawale Arogundare for killing his father, Noshude Atanda Arogundare in 1990. Also to be put to death for conspiracy and armed robbery, is one Aminu Tanko who has been on the hangman's list since 2005. Both accused lost their appeals at the apex court.
The court said that Arogundare, who was convicted in 1990 by the trial court, actually committed the murder and he voluntarily confessed same. The Supreme Court also upheld the death sentence on Aminu Tanko. It said that both the Niger state and the federal government have power to legislate on "armed robbery which is a very serious vice".
The court said it is the duty of the Niger State governor to direct the mode of execution of the convict and that in any case, "sentenced to death by hanging" made by the trial judge did not vitiate the proceedings nor does it occasion miscarriage of justice". (Sources: AllAfrica.com, 09/02/2009)