Nigeria abuse: will torture go unpunished?
Amnesty International accuses security forces of carrying out ‘shocking’ torture and abuse in a climate of impunity.
A new report by Amnesty International has accused Nigeria’s police and military of the routine torture of men, woman and children, as young as 12.
It says many police stations even have an informal torture officer.
Testimonies and evidence gathered over 10 years document beatings, shootings and sexual violence, nail and tooth extractions, choking and electric shocks.
The rights group says the abuse is carried out as punishment, to extort money or to extract confessions, with the government often of turning a blind eye.
A Federal Police spokesman contacted by Al Jazeera admitted some police abuse occurs, but insisted that: “Police accused of violating human rights will be investigated, and if found guilty sanctioned in line with the law.”
Torture is prohibited by seven international charters and conventions on human rights.
But with only one in five African nations passing legislation making torture a criminal offence, how can those responsible be held to account?
Presenter – Adrian Finighan
Guests
Netsanet Belay – Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for Africa.
Jean-Baptiste Niyizurugero – Africa Programme Officer for the Association for the Prevention of Torture.
Justin Nwakwo – detained and tortured by Nigerian police.