FG warns Security Agencies against torturing suspects in their custody
FG warns Police, Military, other Security Agencies against torturing suspects in custody
On Wednesday, the Federal Government issued a stern warning to security agencies, urging them to refrain from subjecting detainees to abuse while in custody.
The warning came through the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, who confirmed that the government is in the process of reviewing the Anti-Torture Act and its associated regulations.
In her remarks at a sensitization workshop for law enforcement officers, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders in Abuja, Jedy-Agba emphasised that any law enforcement officer caught using torture to coerce confessions will face strict consequences.
The workshop focused on the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), and Jedy-Agba revealed that the government is examining ways to expand the legal definition of torture to better address contemporary issues.
The Federal Government’s message is clear, there will be zero tolerance for any form of torture in detention, and the legal framework is being strengthened to ensure that those responsible for such abuses are held accountable.
She said: “Let me quickly point out that 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 an individuals in their custody
“Furthermore, both the Government and stakeholders have the inherent responsibility to support measures aimed at unequivocally rooting out torture in Nigeria, in line with UNCAT and OPCAT.
“I, therefore, invite all participants to demonstrate commitment and dedication towards eliminating torture by collaborating and cooperating to speak with one voice against the perpetrators of torture, and for all who suffer at their hands, at your various institutions.
“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 such as deprivation of liberty in Nigeria, such as police stations, prisons and other detention facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and any other places where persons are not permitted to leave at their own will.
“However, in our experience, it is not enough to punish perpetrators for committing acts of torture.
“The Government also has the responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation of victims of torture.
“I, therefore admonish and encourage participants at this sensitization session to work as champions of Federal Government’s policy against torture, shun the use of torture against citizens and institute anti-torture measures when you return to your various institutions and organizations.”
The SGF, whose speech was read at the event by a Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, said the workshop was designed to highlight the responsibilities conferred on the Federal Government, particularly its law enforcement agencies and other public officials, towards the prevention of torture in Nigeria.
News
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free, and called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Adeh spoke in reaction to public outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.(NAN)
News
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was on Friday sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice.
The Seoul Central District Court found that the 65-year-old conservative, with the help of the presidential security service, had tried to prevent his own arrest and deleted multiple documents related to the investigation against him.
Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, 2024, amid a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into a political crisis.
He justified the drastic measure as necessary to protect South Korea’s democratic order and accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists with ties to China and North Korea, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
In a separate trial, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of incitement, with a verdict expected on February 19.
While the death penalty remains legally in force in South Korea, it has not been carried out for nearly 30 years.
Yoon’s actions previously alarmed international investors and led to withheld investments, damaging the reputation of South Korea as a political and economic model for the region.
Since last summer, South Korea has been led by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-leaning centrist and long-time political rival of Yoon. (dpa/NAN)
News
JUST IN; Imam that famously shielded 262 Christians from death during Plateau attack is dead
JUST IN; Imam that famously shielded 262 Christians from death during Plateau attack is dead
The Imam of Nghar village, Abubakar Abdullahi in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who famously sheltered 262 Christians during communal violence, has passed away.
The Imam’s Son Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the development to Daily Trust on Friday, saying that the cleric died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
The Son said, his father “died ten days after he was admitted” in the hospital.
“He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”
Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children – 12 sons and seven daughters.
Tecall that in June 2018, during violent, faith-based communal clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and residence until the violence subsided, saving them from certain death.
His courage earned him widespread recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric will be laid to rest on Friday (today) in Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.
-
6 years ago
Our situation in Kano terrible – Gov Ganduje cries out
-
News11 months agoFG pledges commitment to enhance Police officers Welfare, implement Tinubu’s 8-point agenda for NPF
-
News11 months agoBREAKING; NSCDC gets approval to commence 2025 recruitment exercise
-
News9 months agoAlleged cocaine deal: Court issues orders in suspended DCP Abba Kyari’s case
-
News12 months agoDPO under investigation for allegedly taking teenage girl to his home while in police custody
-
News12 months agoJUST IN; Commissioner of Police bows out of Service
-
News9 months agoJUST IN; Police Inspector dies watching Arsenal match
-
News12 months agoBREAKING; NLC declare nationwide protest