Lack of executioners is delaying execution of death-row inmates: Akwa Ibom Govt

The Akwa Ibom Ministry of Justice says a lack of executioners is a major factor delaying the implementation of death sentences in Akwa Ibom.

News Agency of Nigeria • October 30, 2026

Hangman noose, firing squad used to illustrate the story [Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer and Nolo]

The Akwa Ibom Ministry of Justice says a lack of executioners is a major factor delaying the implementation of death sentences in Akwa Ibom, adding that it is handling 3,264 pending criminal and civil cases in courts across Nigeria.

Uko Udom, the attorney general, disclosed this at an inter-ministerial press briefing in Uyo on Thursday. Mr Udom said that the ministry had recorded significant outputs in its core departments.

He attributed the performance to the release of funds for case management and the payment of professional fees to external solicitors. He said that the ministry had handled no fewer than 420 legal instruments, including 75 legal drafts and documents.

“We have also handled 13 regulations, executive orders and instruments, and 150 agreements relating to investment consultancies and road construction. Others are 121 tenancy agreements and leases, 34 memoranda of understanding, and 27 legal opinions and advisories,” he said.

Mr Udom said that 896 civil cases were pending in various courts, comprising 26 at the Supreme Court, 94 at the Court of Appeal, and 55 at the Federal High Court.

“There are 634 cases at the State High Court, 43 at the National Industrial Court, and 44 at the magistrate courts,” he said.

He added that 96 civil cases were concluded during the year.

“We have concluded six cases at the Supreme Court, 17 at the Court of Appeal, 11 at the Federal High Court, 53 at the State High Court and nine at the National Industrial Court,” Mr Udom said.

On criminal litigation, Mr Udom said that 2,368 cases were pending, comprising 69 at the Supreme Court, 123 at the Court of Appeal, 87 at the Federal High Court, 887 at the State High Court, and 1,202 at the Magistrate Courts.

Mr Udom said 340 gender violence-related cases were also pending. He said that there were 87 cases involving domestic battery, 129 on threats to life and physical assault, and 24 involving emotional abuse.

“We also have 12 cases involving forceful ejection, 25 involving child abandonment and denial of access, seven involving harmful widowhood practices, and 56 involving rape,” he said.

(NAN)

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