International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: Ojukwu Calls for End to Torture, Demands Justice and Rehabilitation for Victims
By Core Reporters
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) has reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to preventing torture, protecting the dignity of all persons deprived of liberty, and ensuring justice and effective remedies for victims of torture in Nigeria.
In a statement marking the 2026 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Chief Ojukwu joined the international community in honouring victims and survivors of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. He paid tribute to their courage, resilience, and determination to pursue justice despite the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma they have endured.
The NHRC Chief described torture as one of the gravest violations of human rights and human dignity, stressing that the practice is absolutely prohibited under international human rights law, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
According to him, no circumstance whatsoever—including national security concerns, states of emergency, crime prevention efforts, or counter-terrorism operations—can justify the use of torture or any other form of ill-treatment.
Chief Ojukwu noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening safeguards against torture through the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act and the designation of the NHRC as the country’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the 2024 Order.
He explained that, in the exercise of its NPM mandate, the Commission conducts regular and unannounced visits to detention facilities, correctional centres, health institutions, and other places where persons are deprived of their liberty. These visits, he said, are aimed at preventing torture before it occurs and ensuring that the rights of detainees are respected.
While acknowledging these gains, the Executive Secretary expressed concern over persistent reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detention, prolonged pre-trial detention, poor detention conditions, denial of access to legal representation, and allegations of torture and ill-treatment.
He emphasized that such practices undermine the rule of law, erode public confidence in institutions, and violate Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
Chief Ojukwu 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, impartial, and effective investigations into allegations of torture, accountability for perpetrators, and access to comprehensive remedies for victims, including rehabilitation, compensation, restitution, and guarantees of non-repetition.
“As a National Human Rights Institution and Nigeria’s National Preventive Mechanism, the Commission remains committed to strengthening preventive safeguards, promoting accountability, and ensuring that every person, regardless of status or circumstance, is treated with dignity and respect,” he stated.
Chief Ojukwu further urged stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to ending torture in all its forms and to 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 added.
