Nigeria restates commitment to end torture against alleged crime victims

The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to end all forms of torture and other degrading human treatment of alleged victims of crime.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata gave the assurance at an event to mark this year’s UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

He said government would ensure all accused persons in the country were treated fairly and with dignity during trial and after conviction.

”Though technical reasons caused the delay in this year’s commemoration, the country’s readiness to the fight against torture and other forms of degrading treatments could be seen in anti-torture act of 2017 which was signed into law on the 29th December 2017,’’ he said.

Mr. Apata also said the outstanding legislation with the sole objective of prohibiting punishment of torture and other forms of cruel and degrading treatments is being implemented at various levels of government in the country.

”Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) being the organic law of the nation provides every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person,’’ he stated.

The theme for this year is: ”Torture is a crime against humanity.”

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Mercy Chukwudiebere