The Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the execution of 4 Nigerians due to drug related offences, and made a request today to the Indonesian authorities that they return their corpses. The statement released by the Public Communications Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja states:
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with deep disappointment, news of the execution of four Nigerians, Messrs Martin Anderson, Okwudili Oyatanze, Jaminu Abashin and Sylvester Obiekwe by the government of Indonesia for drug-related offences. These executions have taken place despite spirited pleas for clemency made at the highest level by President Goodluck Jonathan, and more recently Ambassador Aminu Wali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on April 21, during the 10th Anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership Summit, which took place in Jakarta, Indonesia,
The Federal Government wishes to express its condolences to the families of the deceased. It has asked the Indonesian Government for the repatriation of the remains of the executed persons, so that they can be accorded decent burial in their various communities. The Federal Government seizes this opportunity to once again, warn all Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking and other offences that attract maximum punishment in several countries of the world. The Federal Government will continue to promote the welfare and protect the lives of Nigerians abroad, no matter their circumstances. Furthermore, government is committed to engage the government of Indonesia and other friendly countries regarding the conclusion of Prisoner Transfer Agreements and other bilateral means of safeguarding the interest and welfare of Nigerians.”the statement read
