This is even as it called for a speedy action on the ongoing negotiations between Nigeria and Indonesia on the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA).
Recall that two Nigerians were executed recently in Indonesia in spite of pleas from the federal government.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni, made the appeal on behalf of the Federal Government when the ministry summoned the newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Harry Purwanto.
Sheni said the government was already aware of the consequences of drug trafficking in Indonesia, adding that the government also wanted to put on record and its appeal to the Indonesian government to temper justice with mercy.
He said the Federal Government is aware that the three condemned Nigerians have gone through the judicial processes and their appeal to the President had been turned down.
One of the condemned Nigerian, Mr Salami, had been moved to an island where he will be executed any moment from now.
“We want to appeal to you and through you, to your government, that this death sentence that may be carried out on Mr Salami any moment from now should be converted to life imprisonment.
Sheni also noted that there are some Nigerians who are not on death roll, but are in Indonesian prisons for other alleged crimes, saying that the appeal was that those of them who are willing and
In his reaction, Purwanto told Sheni that his message would be forwarded to Jakarta for consideration adding that Indonesia attached great importance to its relations with Nigeria.
Death penalty in Indonesia, Purwanto stated, is done in a transparent, credible and accountable manner, saying that Indonesia still recognised death penalty in its criminal justice system in some serious crimes, including terrorism and narcotics. “We do apply these executions to those who are adults, and we will not apply it to children, pregnant women or mentally-ill persons.
“And we also have already made known that engaging in narcotic trafficking in Indonesia is risking death penalty even before coming to Indonesia.
“Executions are done after strict and transparent due process of law so that we know it has already passed through the District Court, Appellate Court and the Supreme Court so that when they ask for clemency, it should also be rejected.
“Also, the embassies in Indonesia are given access from the very beginning on the detention process, the trial and on the preparations for their execution like what we are facing now.
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