The executive secretary (ES) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has said that Nigeria has significantly strengthened its legal framework against torture through the Anti-Torture Act.

He made this known in his statement on Friday in honour of the victims and survivors of torture as the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The day is observed annually on June 26.

Mr Ojukwu said another legal framework against torture is the 2024 Presidential Act designating the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) against torture and abuse.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to continue to prevent torture, protect the dignity of all persons deprived of liberty, and ensure justice and effective remedies for victims of torture in Nigeria.

He praised the courage, resilience and determination of victims and survivors to seek justice inspite of the physical, emotional and psychological trauma they have endured.

“Torture is one of the most serious violations of human rights and human dignity; this practice remains absolutely prohibited under international human rights law, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Anti-Torture Act 2017.

“No circumstance whatsoever, including national security concerns, states of emergency, crime prevention efforts, or the fight against terrorism, can justify the use of torture or other forms of ill-treatment,” he said.

The commission, he said, is exercising its NPM mandate by conducting regular and unannounced visits to detention facilities.

While acknowledging progress, Mr Ojukwu expressed concern over persistent reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detention.

He added further prolonged pre-trial detention, poor detention conditions, denial of access to legal representation, and allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

He noted that such practices undermine the rule of law, erode public trust in institutions and violate Nigeria’s human rights obligations.

The executive secretary, therefore, called on law enforcement agencies, security institutions, correctional authorities and all custodial bodies to uphold constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards in the treatment of persons under their custody.

He stressed the need for prompt and impartial investigation of torture allegations, accountability for perpetrators, and access to effective remedies for victims, including rehabilitation, compensation, restitution and guarantees of non-repetition.

Mr Ojukwu called on stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to ending torture in all its forms and building a society anchored on human dignity, justice and respect for fundamental rights.

“The eradication of torture is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.

“Together, we must ensure that no person is subjected to torture, no victim is denied justice, and no violation of human dignity goes unanswered,” he said.

(NAN)