The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reignited the debate on abolishing the death penalty, arguing it denies the right to life and reflects the failures of the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals. NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that over 140 countries have abolished the death penalty or introduced moratoriums, citing the United Nations General Assembly's resolutions urging member states to move towards abolition.
 
However, not everyone agrees. Some Nigerians believe abolishing the death penalty will lead to an increase in crimes like murder, armed robbery, and terrorism. Public affairs analyst Emmanuel Aziken and journalist Nze Ezeocha argue that the death penalty serves as a deterrent and should not be abolished. Aziken even suggested that corruption should be punishable by death, citing China and other Asian countries as examples.

On the other hand, lawyer Ikechukwu Onodi supports the NBA's stance, pointing out that the death penalty has not deterred crimes and that man should not take a life since he cannot create one. He also highlighted instances where criminality increased after public executions.