Federal Government Demands Corpse Of Nigerians Executed Return To Nigeria

The execution of four Nigerians by Indonesian authorities over drug trafficking offence has been condemned by Nigeria Federal Government the government have demanded the repatriation of the corpses of the executed persons so a decent burial in their various communities can be granted.
According to a statement on Wednesday night from the Public Communications Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the Federal government called the executions a disappointment, despite pleas for clemency by President Jonathan.

The statement read,

 “The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with deep disappointment, news of the execution of four Nigerians, Messrs Martin Anderson, Okwudili Oyatanze, Jaminu Abashin and Sylvester Obiekwe by the government of Indonesia for drug-related offences.

 “These executions have taken place despite spirited pleas for clemency made at the highest level by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and more recently Ambassador Aminu Wali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on April 21, 2015, during the 10th Anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership Summit, which took place in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“The Federal Government wishes to express its condolences to the families of the deceased.  It has asked the Indonesian Government for the repatriation of the remains of the executed persons, so that they can be accorded decent burial in their various communities.

“The Federal Government seizes this opportunity to once again, warn all Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking and other offences that attract maximum punishment in several countries of the world. The Federal Government will continue to promote the welfare and protect the lives of Nigerians abroad, no matter their circumstances.

“Furthermore, government is committed to engage the government of Indonesia and other friendly countries regarding the conclusion of Prisoner Transfer Agreements and other bilateral means of safeguarding the interest and welfare of Nigerians.”

One of the executed Nigerians,Jaminu Abashin was said to be homeless in Bangkok when a new “friend” offered him $400 to take some clothes to Indonesia. He was caught in Surabaya with 5.5kilogrammes of heroin and sentenced to death in 1999.