FG Demands Corpses Of Executed Nigerians

by Abang Veronica

The Federal Government has condemned the execution of four Nigerians by the Indonesian authorities over drug-related offences, despite pleas for clemency by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The government, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, demanded the repatriation of the corpses of the executed Nigerians.

It explained that they would be given decent burials by their various communities.

A terse statement on Wednesday from the Public Communications Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, gave the names of the executed Nigerians as Martin Anderson, Okwudili Oyatanze, Jaminu Abashin and Sylvester Obiekwe.

The government warned Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking and other offences.

The statement read in part, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with deep disappointment, news of the execution of four Nigerians 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 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali.

“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 burials by their various communities.

“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.”

The convicts were reportedly taken to the Nusakambangan Island where they were executed by firing squad on Tuesday.