The federal government has again assured of collective resolve to root out torture in Nigeria, reiterating plans to leverage ongoing sensitization on anti-torture and the Ministry’s continuous advocacy to
building a humane and rights-respecting society.
The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday while delivering a keynote address at the sensitization of law enforcement agencies on the prohibition of torture and obligations under the Optional protocol to the Convention against torture (OPCAT) protocol.
The workshop, according to her, was designed to critically investigate and highlight collective responsibility regarding the prohibition of torture and institutional obligations.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from ministry, parastatals, and law enforcement agencies, among others.
At the workshop, she stated further: “We are all aware that the fight against crime and the pursuit of justice are the cornerstones of a stable nation. However, this noble pursuit must never come at the expense of human dignity and fundamental rights.
“Torture, in all its forms, is a grave violation of these rights. It is a barbaric act that dehumanizes both the victim and the perpetrator, corroding the very fabric of our justice system and the trust the public places in us.
“I must remind us that the prohibition of torture is not just a moral or ethical obligation; it is a legal one. Domestically, our commitment is enshrined in the Anti Torture Act of 2017, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for the prevention and punishment of torture.
“This Act makes it a criminal offence for any person, including law enforcement and security personnel, to inflict torture. It also places a clear duty on all state actors to prevent such acts.
“Furthermore, our obligations extend beyond our borders. As a proud member of the international community, Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and its Optional Protocol (OPCAT). Our ratification of OPCAT in 2009 was a landmark achievement.
“This protocol is not a punitive instrument; rather, it is a preventive one. It is a proactive mechanism designed to strengthen our national human rights framework by establishing a system of regular, independent visits to places of detention to prevent torture and other ill-treatment,”
Jeddy-Agba while drawing attention to the recent visit by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) in September 2024, noted with dismay that confidential preliminary findings highlighted significant gaps and lapses, including issues with cooperation, climate of hostility, and dire conditions in many of our detention facilities.
These observations she lamented served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to take immediate, proactive steps to align practices with international commitments standard.
