Nigeria summons Indonesian envoy over execution of drug-related Nigerians

The Nigerian government has summoned the Indonesian Ambassador Harry Purwato over Indonesia's planned execution of three Nigerians for drug-related offenses.

The death sentences should be converted to life imprisonment, Amb. Danjuma Sheni, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a meeting with the envoy in Abuja, the nation's capital on Monday.

He told the envoy to speak with his home government to tamper justice with mercy in order not to allow anything to jeopardize the very robust and excellent relationship between Indonesia and Nigeria.

"Your Excellency, I have been asked to summon you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to appeal to you to talk to your government about the proposed execution of three Nigerians, who are currently on the death row in your country," Sheni said.

"We understand that the three condemned Nigerians have gone through the judicial processes and their appeals to the President have been turned down," he said.

The permanent secretary also appealed to the Indonesian envoy to fast-track the completion of the ongoing exchange of prisoner negotiation between the two countries.

According to Sheni, when completed, Nigerians serving various prison terms in Indonesia will have the opportunity to serve their sentences in Nigeria.

Purwato acknowledged the robust nature of the relationship between his country and Nigeria, and explained that the trial of the Nigerians was done transparently.

He said foreigners traveling to Indonesia were usually informed in advance that trafficking in narcotics attracted the death penalty.

The envoy said that all the legal processes available to the convicts had been exhausted, adding, however, that he would deliver the government's message to his home government.

The Nigerian government had in January summoned the ambassador following the execution of two Nigerians for drug offenses. Endi