NHRC Renews Commitment To Torture Prevention, Victims’ Justice As World Marks Anti-Torture Day
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing torture, protecting the dignity of persons deprived of liberty, and ensuring justice and effective remedies for victims of torture in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Chief Ojukwu joined the global community in honouring victims and survivors of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, while recognising their courage, resilience and determination to seek justice despite the physical, emotional and psychological trauma they have suffered.
He described torture as one of the gravest violations of human rights and human dignity, stressing that it remains absolutely prohibited under international human rights law, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
According to him, no circumstance, including national security concerns, emergencies, crime prevention efforts or the fight against terrorism, can justify the use of torture or any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
The NHRC boss noted that Nigeria has recorded progress in strengthening measures 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 carrying out its NPM mandate, the Commission conducts regular and unannounced visits to detention facilities, correctional centres, health institutions and other places where people are deprived of liberty, to prevent torture and ensure the protection of detainees’ rights.
However, Chief Ojukwu expressed concern over continued 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 warned that such practices undermine the rule of law, weaken public confidence in institutions and violate Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
The NHRC Executive Secretary called on law enforcement agencies, security institutions, correctional authorities and other custodial bodies to uphold constitutional protections and international human rights standards in the treatment of persons in their custody.
He stressed the importance of prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of torture, 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,” Ojukwu stated.
He urged stakeholders to renew their collective commitment towards ending torture in all its forms and building a society founded 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.
