A civil society organisation, Centre for law and development on Friday in Abuja protested against the use of torture by police as a tool of investigation.
It called on the government to punish any policeman caught engaging in torture, just as it offered pro bono legal representation for victims of torture.
A lawyer and coordinator of the group, Deji Ajare, stated that the protest was to mark the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and to compel the government to punish any security personnel that engaged in the despicable act.
Ajare said he handling a torture case in which one Femi Bello was allegedly tortured to death by policemen in Mararaba, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory in December, 2014.
According to him, his group had petitioned the police authorities over the killing of the boy, but nothing had been done on the matter.
Ajare said, “We have written to the Inspector-General of Police and coupled with this protest, we believe something would be done to address the use of torture as a tool of investigation by the police.”
Meanwhile, the European Union has expressed commitment to the eradication of torture and other cruel and inhuman punishment around the world.
The EU Vice President, Frederica Mogherini in a statement on the occasion of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, stated that the EU supports the Convention against Torture Initiative and its efforts to achieve global ratification and, most importantly, implementation of the Convention against Torture by the year 2024.
She said, “As we celebrate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, our thoughts go to all those around the world who have been and continue to be exposed to this horrible practice.
“The EU will never give up its staunch commitment to the prevention and eradication of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which are unequivocally prohibited under international law.” (Punch)
