Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government on Wednesday issued a stern warning to security agencies against inflicting pain on suspects in detention.
Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, stated that the government is reviewing the Anti-Torture Act and Regulations.
She said the government would take decisive action against law enforcement agents who use torture to extract confessions from suspects.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Abuja on the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), Jedy-Agba emphasised that torture, whether physical or mental, by public officials, particularly law enforcement agents, is unacceptable.
She said: “The definition of torture under the relevant legal frameworks pertains to acts committed by public officials, particularly Law Enforcement, which inflicts pain or suffering, whether mental or physical, on individuals in their custody.”
Jedy-Agba urged both the government and stakeholders to work together to root out torture in Nigeria.
She noted: “We have the inherent responsibility to support measures aimed at unequivocally rooting out torture in Nigeria, in line with UNCAT and OPCAT.”
The Solicitor-General also revealed that the government is expanding the definition of torture to improve mechanisms aimed at discouraging and eradicating it in detention facilities, including police stations, prisons, and psychiatric hospitals.
She said: “We are currently reviewing the Anti-Torture Act and Regulations to expand the definition of torture and improve mechanisms to discourage and eradicate torture in places of detention.”
While punishment for perpetrators of torture is necessary, Jedy-Agba also highlighted the government’s responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation for victims of torture.
She encouraged participants to become champions of the Federal Government’s anti-torture policy.
“Shun the use of torture against citizens and institute anti-torture measures when you return to your various institutions,” she urged.
Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, a Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, read Jedy-Agba’s speech during the workshop.
The event aimed to raise awareness about Nigeria’s international obligations to prevent torture and improve justice delivery in the country.
Jedy-Agba concluded by highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to international human rights treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.
She also referenced the recent visit by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture in September 2024 to assess Nigeria’s detention conditions, though the formal report is still pending.
The workshop was organised to address the challenges of implementing anti-torture measures in Nigeria’s detention facilities, in line with international human rights standards.