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Nigeria seeks clemency for 12 citizens on death row in Indonesia

Xinhua, January 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Nigeria has appealed to the Indonesian government to show clemency for 12 citizens convicted of drug crimes in that country, a top official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Danjuma Sheni, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary made this known in Abuja after an audience with the acting Indonesian Ambassador, Eko Indiarto, who was invited for discussions.

Two Nigerians, namely: Solomon Okafor and Daniels Enemuo, were executed by firing squad for drug crimes, while 12 others are currently on death row.

Sheni said Netherlands and Brazil had already recalled their ambassadors to Indonesia following the failure of the Indonesian government to heed their pleas against the execution.

The Nigerian diplomat said he met Indiarto to express Nigeria's displeasure over the execution even after the personal intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly.

The permanent secretary urged the Indonesian authorities to commute the death sentences to various jail terms.

Two women - one each from Indonesia and Vietnam, two Brazilians, and a Dutch were also executed along with the two Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has said it will continue to negotiate with the Indonesian authorities to reach agreement on a Prisoner Transfer Agreement.

According to it, the agreement may enable other convicted Nigerians to return home to serve their jail terms. Endi