UN to Help Avert Execution of 54 Nigerian Soldiers on Death Row

The United Nations (UN) has indicated to intervene in the death row case of the 54 Nigerian soldiers who were sentenced to death by firing squad in December.

You will recall that the soldiers were accused of mutiny, assault, cowardice and refusing to fight Boko-Haram in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Following a petition made to the UN by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on the matter in December, the organisation is set to take action.

Vanguard reports that United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Arbitrary or Summary Executions, Christof Heyns, stated that “appropriate actions, including communication to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is being considered regarding the imminent execution of 54 soldiers in Nigeria.”

Executive Director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, confirmed the news yesterday via a statement.