By George Ozalla
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to preventing torture, protecting the dignity of persons deprived of their liberty and ensuring justice and effective remedies for victims of torture across Nigeria.
According to a press statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu made the commitment in commemoration of the 2026 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, as he joined the international community in honouring victims and survivors of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
He paid tribute to the courage, resilience and determination of survivors who continue to pursue justice despite the physical, emotional and psychological trauma they have endured.
Ojukwu described torture as one of the gravest 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.
He further stated that 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 any other form of ill-treatment.
The NHRC Executive Secretary added that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening safeguards against torture through the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act and the designation of the Commission as the country’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the 2024 Order.
He explained that, in exercising its mandate, the Commission 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.
Ojukwu, however, 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 other forms of ill-treatment.
He stressed that such practices undermine the rule of law, erode public confidence in institutions and violate Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria 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 in their custody.
He further added that allegations of torture must be investigated promptly and impartially, while perpetrators should be held accountable and victims provided with effective remedies, including rehabilitation, compensation, restitution and guarantees of non-repetition.
Ojukwu reaffirmed that the Commission would continue strengthening preventive safeguards, promoting accountability and ensuring that every person, regardless of status or circumstance, is treated with dignity and respect.
He also 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,” he said.
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on June 26 to honour victims and survivors of torture, raise awareness of the absolute prohibition of torture under international law and promote measures aimed at preventing torture while ensuring justice, rehabilitation and accountability for victims worldwide.
