Security agencies, others tasked on ending torture

The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, has enjoined security agencies and other heads of relevant agencies to move against torture, cruelty, degrading and inhuman treatment in Nigeria.
Jeddy-Agba, who was represented by the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Babadoko, gave the charge in Abuja, at a recent event organised by the National Committee Against Torture (NCAT) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, to commemorate the international day for Victims of Torture.
The permanent secretary, who is the chairman of NCAT, noted that to eradicate torture in Nigeria, the heads of various law enforcement agencies and relevant bodies must speak out against torture.
She assured that steps have been taken by the federal government toward eradicating torture through the creation of NCAT, including assent to many international instruments against torture.
According to her: “I acknowledge the tireless efforts of members of the National Committee Against Torture, particularly the Co-Chairperson, who have indeed made necessary sacrifices.
“She has ensured that Nigeria is in compliance with its international obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Inhuman Degrading treatment, and also taken initiatives to address the incidence of torture in our detention centres.
“This day is an opportunity to express solidarity with the suffering of torture victims and their families, and to reaffirm the need for a global commitment to rehabilitate all victims of all such abuse”.
She added that: “as a government body, it behooves us to join hands against torture and adhere unequivocally to the notion that torture is unacceptable, we must never forget its victims.
“All stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors must speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, in order to build a better, more humane society for all people everywhere”.
She enjoined the law enforcement agencies to continue to take measures to combat torture in all their detention centres.
“I admonish you to continue to give the NCAT necessary support whenever they reach out to you as every action taken by the committee is with a view to rooting out torture and ensuring that Nigeria complies with its international obligations.
“We are indeed partners in this journey and the NCAT will take deliberate proactive steps to sensitise, engage and train our officers on prevention of torture.”
Also, in a goodwill message, the Director General of the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, said for torture to be eradicated, the perpetrators have to be punished.
“Until those involved in acts of torture are brought to book as deterrents to others the situation would persist,” he stressed.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Dr. Oju Agomo, opined that there is need to look critically at national preventive measures and mechanisms to eradicate torture.
Agomo, in his lecture, titled ‘International Obligations of Nigeria on Torture Prevention,’ called for the establishment of independent institutions outside government bodies as against the one currently domiciled in the National Human Right Commission.
She also called for adequate funding in terms of budgetary provision if Nigeria should be taken seriously in the fight against torture. NAN