Centre seeks immediate implementation of extant law
Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, has tasked Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and heads of relevant agencies and stakeholders on torture and degrading treatment.
Charging the security heads to show zero tolerance for cruelty and other debasing conduct in her goodwill message to mark the 2023 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, yesterday in Abuja, Jeddy-Agba sued for concerted efforts to rid Nigeria of the menace.
The SGF, who doubles as chairman of the National Committee Against Torture (NCAT), acknowledged that steps have been taken by the Federal Government towards eradicating brutality through creation of the panel and assent to several international instruments.
On his part, Director General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, pointed out that for torture to be eliminated, perpetrators have to be punished.
According to him, until those involved in acts of cruelty are brought to book, the situation would persist.
For Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation & Welfare Action (PRAWA), Dr. Uju Agomo, there is need to critically review national preventive measures and mechanisms.
Agomo, in the lecture, titled, ‘International Obligations of Nigeria on Torture Preventions’, while making case for independence of institutions, added it is when adequate funding is available for the crusade that Nigeria could be taken seriously in the fight against inhuman treatment.
She noted that in terms of legal framework, the country is standing on the part of those against torture, but regretted that the mechanisms to regularly review the process are not in place.
RELATEDLY, Sterling Centre for Law and Development (SCLD) has called for immediate implementation of the Anti-Torture Act to check actions of law enforcement agents in the country.
The Executive Director, Deji Ajare, in a statement, to commemorate the global event, said: “It is imperative to stress that the mere existence of this legislation will not end torture, as true progress lies in strategic implementation, as torture will persist as long as the Act lacks comprehensive enforcement mechanisms.”
To aid implementation, he urged stakeholders to establish a national torture prevention mechanism, strengthen capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases, provide adequate protection for victims and fast-track adjudication of torture-related cases.
The centre went on: “In line with this year’s theme, ‘Say No to Torture: Protect Everyone from Violence and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’, we call on all stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Federal Government, heads of law enforcement agencies, judiciary and civil society organisations, to take the following steps to contribute to the better implementation of the Act, and eventual eradication of torture in Nigeria:
“Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute torture cases.”
This includes providing training on the Act, as well as ensuring that there are adequate resources available to investigate and prosecute cases. Raise public knowledge of the Act and rights of victims. This will help to create a culture of zero tolerance for torture in Nigeria.”
Continuing, Ajare said: “Establish a national torture prevention mechanism. This mechanism should be independent and have the power to investigate allegations of torture, as well as to make recommendations to government on how to prevent torture. Provide adequate protection for victims of torture. This includes ensuring that victims have access to justice, as well as providing them with medical and psychological care.
“The judiciary should fast-track adjudication of torture-related cases to ensure justice for victims and deter potential perpetrators by the creation of specialised courts or designated judges to handle torture cases, besides promoting expertise and consistency in judgments and providing training opportunities for judges and magistrates on international human rights standards and the Anti-Torture Act.
“We believe that by taking these steps, we can make Nigeria a country where torture is no longer tolerated. We call on all stakeholders to join us in this fight.”
