Seek implementation of anti-torture law
A civil society organisation, Sterling Law Centre, has berated the Federal Government over its failure to protect the rights of torture victims.
It, however, called on the Federal Government to go beyond mere words and rhetoric in the prohibition and condemnation of torture.
The Centre, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Deji Ajare, yesterday, said it is imperative that the government summons the political will to ensure that perpetrators of torture are truly and deservedly punished to serve as deterrence.
The Centre, while using the case of Patrick Okachi, who was mercilessly tortured by officials of the State Security Service (SSS) led by Festus Arobo Uchenna at the instance of Celyna Onyekachi Okiyi, lamented that Okachi’s case is a glare example of the impunity that pervades the country’s system.
It lamented that despite overwhelming evidence and tireless efforts by human rights advocates, the police have failed to arrest and prosecute Uchenna and his cohorts.
The Department of State Services (DSS), it said, had also remained silent, refusing to respond to numerous enquiries to confirm whether Uchenna is indeed one of its personnel and what steps are being taken to hold him and his accomplices accountable for their heinous actions.
“This inaction is not only a grave injustice to Okachi but also a blatant violation of Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law. The government of Nigeria is bound by the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights to ensure the protection of all individuals from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued failure of the Nigerian government to uphold these obligations. The lack of accountability for perpetrators of torture sends a dangerous message that such atrocities can be committed with impunity. This must not be allowed to continue.
“The Nigerian government must act decisively to ensure that those who commit acts of torture are held accountable, and that victims receive the justice and reparations they deserve.”
Also, the Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria (CRIVIFON) has called for strict enforcement of the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and ensures that all cases of torture are promptly investigated and prosecuted.
while perpetrators are held accountable.
Executive Director of CRIVIFON, Gloria Egbuji, gave the charge, yesterday, during a media briefing in Lagos to commemorate the United Nations International Day In Support Of Victims of Crime with the theme: “Voice Against Torture; A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights”
Egbuji was represented by a member of the legal team of the Foundation, Benjamin Okafor, who said that data from CRIVIFON in 2023 alone indicated that over 1,200 cases of torture by law enforcement agencies were reported across the country, adding that “the cases represent only a fraction of the actual number, as many victims remain silent due to fear of reprisal.”
She urged the government to launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the rights of individuals and on the devastating effects of torture.
Egbuji also urged the government to implement comprehensive training programmes to educate law enforcement officers on human rights and legal consequences of torture.
Also, Louis Alozie (SAN), who gave an appraisal of the compliance by the police with Anti-Torture Act 2017, enjoined the government to strictly enforce the Nigeria Anti-Torture Act of 2017, as well as ensure that all cases of torture are promptly investigated and prosecuted, while perpetrators are held accountable.
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