The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN, has frowned at all forms of torture while reassuring commitment to prevent it and ensure justice and effective remedies for victims of torture in Nigeria.
In a statement to mark 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 seek justice despite the physical, emotional and psychological trauma they have endured.
The NHRC Chief described torture as one of the most serious violations of human rights and human dignity, stressing that the practice remains 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 the fight against terrorism, can justify the use of torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Chief Ojukwu noted in the statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, NHRC Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, 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 the Commission, in exercising its NPM mandate, conducts regular and unannounced visits to detention facilities, correctional centres, health institutions and other places of deprivation of liberty to prevent torture before it occurs and to ensure that the rights of detainees are respected.
While acknowledging progress, 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 trust 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 and impartial investigation of torture allegations, accountability for perpetrators, and access to effective 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 called on stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to ending torture in all its forms and building a society anchored on human dignity, justice and respect for fundamental rights.
“The eradication of torture is not only a legal obligation but 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.”
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