Nigeria: Torture and Impunity still widespread 4 years after passage of Anti-Torture Act -AI

June 26, 2022

… Says those who testified at #EndSars judicial panels yet to receive the justice they deserve

Four years after the passage of the 2017 Anti-Torture Act, Amnesty International Nigeria says government not sincere in its fight against torture as the organization continues to document credible testimonies of torture, cruel inhuman and degrading treatment (CIDT) by the security agencies, including police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement on Sunday in commemoration of this year’s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Amnesty International Nigeria called on the Nigerian government to ensure that the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act are enforced, and all complaints of torture are independently, promptly, impartially and thoroughly investigated, and those reasonably suspected of criminal responsibility brought to justice, in line with the provisions of the Act.

“It is worrisome, that the Anti-Torture Act is yet to find its footing in Nigeria as the pervasive use of torture shows, enacting a law that criminalizes torture, whilst turning a blind eye on acts of torture empowers the perpetrators while silencing the victims. It appears the Anti-Torture Act exists only on paper” says Osai Ojigho, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria.

“The #EndSARS protest was a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities to decisively end torture and ensure that victims get justice,” said Osai Ojigho

A 55-year-old father of three who spent three months in police lock-up, informed Amnesty International how he was tortured while being interrogated by the police:

“They started beating me, asking me, how they can get hold of my brother, while I was arguing with them, they now shot me on the leg but while I was talking to them, I was also looking at the officer with the gun and what he was trying to do so when he shot, I dodged the bullet and it only grazed my leg”

Amnesty International observed the judicial panels set up, following the #EndSARS protests, to investigate abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units in twenty states and the FCT, where several torture survivors shared their harrowing experiences at the hands of the Nigerian police.

Many victims and survivors including those who testified at the #EndSars judicial panels are yet to receive the justice they deserved, despite the conclusion of the work of panels and government’s promise to implement the recommendations.

State endorsed security outfits such as the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) “Amotekun,” “Ebubeagu” Security Network and some vigilante groups also commit torture, and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment on alleged suspects.

On 18 January 2022, officers of the Ebubeagu Security Network attached to Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state severally tortured Nnaogo Akpoke Anyim to death. Mr. Nnago hands were tied behind his back, and repeatedly beaten with an axe on his knee, feet and ankle while being interrogated by members of the security outfit.

Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian governments to implement protective mechanisms to prevent and punish torture – such as proper medical examinations, prompt access to lawyers, independent checks on places of detention, independent and effective investigations of torture allegations, the prosecution of suspects and redress for victims.

“It is not enough to pass a law criminalizing torture, the authorities must do the right thing by ensuring that torture never goes unpunished,” says Osai Ojigho