Indonesian court rejects Nigerian's suit over mercy plea

Jakarta, March 9 (IABS) An Indonesian court on Monday dismissed a legal challenge by a Nigerian, who is facing death penalty, over President Joko Widodo's rejection of his clemency plea.

Judge Hendro Puspito of the Administrative Court in East Jakarta said the court had no jurisdiction over presidential decisions, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The court could not test the authority, consideration and substance, so the challenge could not be accepted," Hendro said.

Salami, alias Jamiu Owolabi Abashin from the southern Spanish city of Cordova, was arrested in 1998 for smuggling 5.3 kg of heroin into Surabaya, the capital of East Java province.

Salami, along with nine other drug traffickers from Australia, France, Brazil, Ghana and Indonesia, are expected to be executed soon in Nusakambangan island of Central Java.

President Widodo remained tough on the issue of death penalty for drug trafficking despite intensive efforts for clemency from Australia, France and Brazil.