FG CALLS FOR STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT MEASURES TO END TORTURE

The Federal government has called on stakeholders to support measures aimed at putting an end to torture in Nigeria, in line with UNCAT and OPCAT laws and legal instruments.

The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary (SGF/PS)Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba OON, mni, made the call while giving a remark at the sensitisation/advocacy session for law enforcement agencies, MDAs and relevant stakeholders on United Nations Convention against torture (UNCAT) on Wednesday 27th November, 2024 in Abuja.

While urging collaboration and cooperation in speaking with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and those who suffer at their hands, Jedy-Agba assured 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, psychiatric hospitals, and any other places where persons are not permitted to leave at their own will.

The SGF/PS was represented by Dr Omozojie Okoboh, Chief State Counsel and member of the National Committee against Torture.
She explained that,”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 FG, particularly Law Enforcement. The session also focused on strategic interaction between stakeholders to address concerns and challenges associated with implementing anti-torture measures in compliance with international obligations.
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

She disclosed that 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 details of qstakeholders 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.

Jedy-Agba charged participants at the 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 they return to their various institutions and organizations.
Barr Ogechi Ogu, the Executive Director/Founder, Public Awareness on Rights and Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Persons Initiative (PAR-RVPI) was the facilitator at the workshop.