ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian actor and philanthropist Williams Uchemba has called on the federal government to publicly execute convicted kidnappers, a statement that has ignited widespread debate across the country.
Uchemba said the rising wave of abductions in Nigeria demands more visible and decisive punishment. He argued that public executions would serve as a deterrent and restore public confidence in the justice system. “The capital punishment for kidnapping is death, yet when offenders are arrested, we hardly hear what happens afterwards,” he said. “There should be a dedicated TV channel showing the arrest and public execution of convicted kidnappers.”
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from government officials, legal experts, religious leaders, and citizens.
Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami responded cautiously, stating that while the government is committed to combating crime, it must do so within constitutional limits. “We understand the public’s frustration, but Nigeria remains bound by international human rights treaties and domestic laws that prohibit public executions,” Malami said.
Barrister Ifeoma Okoye, a Lagos-based legal analyst, criticized the proposal. “Public executions are unconstitutional and inhumane. What we need is judicial reform and stronger enforcement of existing laws—not spectacle,” she said.
The Nigerian Human Rights Commission also issued a statement warning against “mob justice disguised as deterrence,” urging public figures to promote lawful and ethical solutions.
Reverend Father Emmanuel Eze of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu described the proposal as “morally troubling.” “Justice must be firm, but it must also be humane. Public executions are not the answer,” he said.
However, Pastor David Olumide of Fire of Mercy Church in Abuja supported Uchemba’s sentiment. “We are losing our country to criminals. If public punishment will restore order, then let it be considered,” he said.
Opinions among Nigerians remain sharply divided. Abuja resident Chinedu Nwankwo said, “I support Uchemba. Kidnappers have destroyed families. They deserve no mercy.” In contrast, Lagos-based entrepreneur Aisha Bello said, “We can’t fight lawlessness with barbarism. We need justice, not revenge.”
Civil society groups have urged the government to focus on preventive measures, including job creation, education, and police reform.
Uchemba, known for his humanitarian work and outspoken views, has previously campaigned for youth empowerment and social reform. His latest comments have reignited national conversations about justice, deterrence, and the ethical boundaries of punishment in a country grappling with rising insecurity.
