HC Deb 08 March 1926 vol 192 c1949W
Mr. BRIANT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has inquired into the proportion of cases of natives in Nigeria tried and sentenced to death which are reversed by the Governor of Nigeria; and whether any reform of the existing judicial machinery is contemplated?

Mr. AMERY

During the years 1922. 1923 and 1924, out of 383 persons tried for murder in Nigeria 247 were executed, the prerogative of mercy was exercised in 82 cases, and in 54 the person was discharged or otherwise dealt with. The circumstances of all cases when the death sentence is commuted are reported to the Secretary of State. I see no reason to alter the existing system for dealing with murder cases in Nigeria.