By Miracle Ogunde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to wield the big stick against law enforcement agents that deploy torture as a means of extracting confessional statements from suspects.
The government, however, warned security agencies against inflicting pain on suspects that are in detention centers.
Speaking through the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the FG said it is currently reviewing the Anti Torture Act and Regulations.
Presenting an address at a sensitization workshop for law enforcement agencies, MDAs and relevant stakeholders on United Nations Convention Against Torture, UNCAT, held in Abuja on Wednesday, the SGF, said the necessary laws were being reviewed with a view to expanding the definition of torture.
She said: “Let me quickly point out that the definition of torture under the relevant legal frameworks pertains to acts committed by public officials, particularly Law Enforcement, which inflicts pain or suffering, whether mental or physical on an individuals in their custody
“Furthermore, both the Government and stakeholders have the inherent responsibility to support measures aimed at unequivocally rooting out torture in Nigeria, in line with UNCAT and OPCAT.
“I, therefore, invite all participants to demonstrate commitment and dedication towards eliminating torture by collaborating and cooperating to speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, at your various institutions.
“We are currently reviewing 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, such as police stations, prisons and other detention facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and any other places where persons are not permitted to leave at their own will.
“However, in our experience, it is not enough to punish perpetrators for committing acts of torture.
“The Government also has the responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation of victims of torture.
“I, therefore admonish and encourage participants at this sensitization 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 organizations.”
The SGF, whose speech was read at the event by a Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, said the workshop was designed to highlight the responsibilities conferred on the Federal Government, particularly its law enforcement agencies and other public officials, towards the prevention of torture in Nigeria.
She said the initiative reckons with FG’s policy directive on improvement of justice delivery in the country.
“This sensitization event was initiated in fulfilment 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 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 organize 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,” the SGF added.
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