A lawyer and human rights activist, Frank Tietie, has described the death penalty as an outdated and counterproductive punishment for officers alleged to have plotted a coup against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Tietie acknowledged the seriousness of attempting to overthrow a democratically elected government but maintained that capital punishment no longer aligns with modern democratic values.
He noted that years of advocacy by civil rights organisations have shown that the death penalty does not deter crime but instead increases violence and diminishes the value of human life. According to him, modern societies should prioritise reforms, rehabilitation, and the preservation of life rather than punitive measures that involve taking lives.
Tietie also recalled Nigeria’s past experiences with firing squads, stressing that such measures only created fear and instability without addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour. He argued that contemporary governance should focus on strengthening democratic institutions rather than resorting to extreme punishments.
Commenting on reports that 16 military officers indicted over the alleged coup plot may face punishments ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty, the lawyer advised the Tinubu administration to exercise caution in both language and action. He referenced past civilian governments that deliberately avoided inflammatory terms when dealing with similar allegations to prevent heightened political tension.
Despite his concerns, Tietie commended the Tinubu-led government for handling the situation with restraint so far. He observed that unlike during the military era, the current investigation followed due process, with the armed forces operating under civilian authority and reporting directly to the President.
He further stressed that the accused officers remain innocent until proven guilty and that their fundamental human rights must be respected. He urged the government to avoid prolonged detention and ensure that the suspects are charged to court promptly if there is sufficient evidence against them.
Tietie concluded by reaffirming that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the best system of governance and must be protected at all times. He warned that no matter the challenges facing the country, any attempt to unlawfully remove a democratically elected government should never be justified.
