Saudi Arabia Executes At Least 10 Nigerians in 2024

Saudi Arabia has executed 10 Nigerians and 79 individuals from other countries, predominantly for drug-related offences, in 2024. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with 34 foreigners executed annually in 2023 and 2022. The executed individuals included nationals from Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and Ethiopia.

The European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights noted that this year’s figures are the highest ever for the execution of foreigners in a single year in Saudi Arabia. Human rights groups continue to criticize the kingdom for its high use of the death penalty, especially as it seeks to improve its international image and attract tourists and investors. In 2023, Saudi Arabia was ranked third globally for the highest number of executions, trailing only China and Iran, according to Amnesty International.

In September, it was reported that Saudi Arabia executed more individuals than in any year over the past three decades. As of late 2024, the total executions reached 274. The resumption of capital punishment for drug offences in 2022 after a three-year halt significantly contributed to the increase, with 92 executions for such crimes this year alone, including 69 foreigners.

Foreign nationals often face greater challenges in receiving fair trials in Saudi Arabia, from accessing court documents to facing harsher sentences. The kingdom typically employs beheading for executions, although this is seldom officially acknowledged.

These developments contradict statements by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who indicated a reduction in the use of the death penalty, except for murder cases or extreme threats to public safety. This surge in executions, especially among foreigners, underscores a growing crisis, raising international concerns and fear among families of those on death row.