The Federal Government, on Wednesday, tasked stakeholders from the justice sector, law enforcement agencies, and Civil Society Organisations to support measures geared towards putting an end to the practice of torture in Nigeria, in line with the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the Operational Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, represented by the Chief State Counsel and member of the National Committee against Torture, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, made the call in Abuja, in her remarks at the sensitisation/advocacy session for law enforcement agencies, MDAs, and relevant stakeholders on UNCAT.
She urged the stakeholders to collaborate and speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture and other Cruel Inhumane/degrading treatment meted out to persons especially those in detention which is against the law and legal instruments of the country.
She however reassured all that plans are ongoing to review the Anti-Torture Act and Regulations to expand the definition of torture and improve mechanisms to discourage and eradicate torture in places of detention such as deprivation of liberty in Nigeria’s police stations, prisons, and other detention facilities such as psychiatric hospitals, and other places where persons are not permitted to leave at their own will.
Jedy-Agba said, “This sensitisation event was initiated in fulfillment of the mandate of the Committee and the Federal Ministry of Justice, as part of measures to eradicate the use of torture by public officials, particularly Law Enforcement. The session also focuses on strategic interaction between stakeholders to address concerns and challenges associated with implementing anti-torture measures in compliance with international obligations.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture, all of which guarantee human rights of both citizens as well as persons in detention.
“Further to these treaties, the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture visited Nigeria in September 2024 and assessed our places of detention.
“While the formal report of the UNSPT is still being awaited, the Ministry of Justice has deemed it fit to organise this workshop to sensitize law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders on obligations against the use of torture, particularly in our places of detention
“The government also has the responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation of victims of torture.
“I therefore admonish and encourage participants at this sensitisation session to work as champions of Federal Government’s policy against torture, shun the use of torture against citizens and institute anti-torture measures when you return to your various institutions and organisations.”
