Nigerian court hearings that take place over the internet must be “fair, transparent and effective”, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has told the BBC.
The comments from the rights watchdog come after a man was sentenced to death during a court ruling in Lagos state that was held using Zoom.
In a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus, all but urgent court sittings in the country have been suspended.
Presiding over the internet court hearing, Judge Mojisola Dada sentenced Olalekan Hameed to death by hanging for murdering his employer’s mother.
Proceedings lasted almost three hours and were watched by a number of lawyers and judges, including the attorney general.
The defendant pled not guilty.
Under Nigerian law, state governors approve death sentences before they can be carried out.
HRW said the creation of the online court during the coronavirus outbreak shows a commitment to accessing justice. But the group has described the death-by-hanging sentence as “inherently cruel and inhumane”.
Latest Stories
-
Ofori-Atta struggles to answer if Jesus Christ is happy with how he is managing the economy
2 mins -
‘Your exceptional leadership in West Africa appreciated by the US’ – US Ambassador to UN tells Akufo-Addo
22 mins -
‘Can I answer that question?’ – Kwarasey reveals he’s a Hearts of Oak fan
38 mins -
JoyNews uncovers politically connected individuals, smuggling cartel hoarding and reselling premix fuel
1 hour -
Sevilla confirm the signing of midfielder Isco
1 hour -
‘Many of them have done outstanding work’ – Akufo-Addo rejects calls for ministerial reshuffle
1 hour -
Salisu was ‘not good enough’ for Southampton in Tottenham defeat – Hasenhuttl
2 hours -
You have given me some of my best memories – Adwoa Safo celebrates husband
2 hours -
Olufisayo Adeoti: Tobacco harm reduction- The imperative for alternatives
2 hours -
We were starved for a week – Nollywood actors recount kidnap ordeal
2 hours -
Using Ghana Card for voters’ registration will not disenfranchise citizens – EC
2 hours -
Government expresses disappointment in S&P’s downgrade of economy
3 hours -
Let Academic City’s training strengthen and guide you – Prof McBagonluri charges new graduates
3 hours -
Gold Coast Refinery first in West Africa to receive certification from Responsible Jewellery Council
3 hours -
Food security continues to deteriorate – ISSER urges government to hold optimal buffers
3 hours