http://allafrica.com/stories/200905040226.htmlNigeria: Execution of Nigerian in China Saddens Foreign Ministry
4 May 2009
Lagos — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday announced the execution in China of a Mr Chibuzor Vitus Ezekwem after being found guilty of trafficking in hard drugs.
The ministry quoted the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing , as stating that Mr Ezekwem was executed on April 23 2009 at 11.00 hours.
"The case of Mr Ezekwem had been on for some time and the Embassy had kept a close watch on the proceedings throughout the period of his trial to ensure that he had a fair hearing throughout the period of his trial. The Mission's plea for mitigation of the death sentence was rejected and the death sentence passed on him was sadly eventually carried out in accordance with the Laws of the People's Republic of China." The statement signed by Director Public Communications Division, Ayo Olukanini explained.
The ministry described this latest execution as sad adding that it brings to mind once again the need to alert Nigerians, that in China and indeed in most Asian countries trafficking in hard drugs carries the death sentence.
It would be recalled that in June 2008, in Indonesia, two Nigerians were executed for trafficking in hard drugs and 18 are still on the death row in that country. This situation prompted the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe to lead a delegation, including two legislators from the National Assembly to Indonesia, to plead for leniency for these Nigerians awaiting execution. On this noted, the Ministry advised Nigerians again, to take note and desist from trafficking in hard drugs which, an act which not only tarnishes the image of the country but also leads to execution of those caught in some countries.
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