By Chigozie Effe
The Community of Sant’Egidio has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s judicial system, emphasizing the need to abolish the death penalty and establish a justice framework rooted in fairness, rehabilitation, and the sanctity of life.
This renewed advocacy is dedicated to the memory of the Founder, Life Wire International Organization, Mr. Arthur Judah Angel, a death row survivor turned prison reform advocate, who was tragically assassinated in Edo State.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, the Country Representative of Sant’Egidio, Prince Henry Ezike, condemned the flaws in Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly its disproportionate sentencing practices.
He stressed that every person, including the most hardened criminal, deserves an opportunity for restoration rather than irreversible punishment.
Ezike cited the recent pardon of a man sentenced to death for stealing a chicken in Osun State as an example of a justice system that often neglects the social and economic factors driving acts of desperation.
Ezike emphasized the need for fairness, proportionality, and rehabilitation in sentencing, urging lawmakers to prioritize reforms that heal society rather than destroy lives.
He pointed out that many countries have moved away from the death penalty, adopting humane alternatives that focus on rehabilitation and social reintegration.
He further called on the government to strengthen legal aid services to ensure equitable access to justice for the poor and marginalized, while addressing systemic issues such as poverty and inequality that contribute to crime.
The memory of Arthur Judah Angel underscores the significance of these reforms. Angel spent nine agonizing years on death row across four correctional facilities for a crime he did not commit.
During his incarceration, he witnessed the execution of 580 inmates. Despite enduring such a traumatic experience, he forgave those responsible for his wrongful conviction and refused to seek legal redress.
Angel’s resilience and compassion were evident as he used his artistic talents to inspire his fellow inmates, organizing exhibitions that brought hope and purpose to many.
Upon his miraculous release, he dedicated his life to advocating for prison reform and the abolition of the death penalty, working closely with Sant’Egidio to promote a humane justice system in Nigeria.
Tragically, Angel’s life was cut short when he was assassinated and burned in his residence in Edo State by unknown assailants.
His death is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address systemic injustices and protect those who champion reform.
Sant’Egidio has vowed to honor Angel’s legacy by continuing to advocate for a justice system that values human dignity and prioritizes rehabilitation over retribution.
His story serves as a poignant call for Nigeria to embrace reforms that foster fairness, inclusivity, and hope for all.
