The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged police torture of Omoyele Sowore, a journalist and activist.
In a statement issued on Friday via X, SERAP asked the federal government to ensure the probe is prompt, impartial, independent, transparent and effective.
The group said those found responsible must be identified, named and shamed, and prosecuted in line with the law.
SERAP said: “The allegations of the torture and ill-treatment of Sowore show that the Nigeria Police Force has failed miserably to live up to its repeated pledges to end torture in police custody and demonstrate how little the police fear getting punished for the blatant violations of citizens’ rights to liberty and respect for the dignity inherent in a human being.
“Police authorities must immediately name and shame those responsible for Sowore’s torture and other ill-treatment and ensure their effective prosecution.”
SERAP reminded the authorities that section 34 of the 1999 constitution guarantees the right to dignity of the human person.
It also referenced Nigeria’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which the country is a state party.
Article 4 of the convention mandates governments to criminalise all acts of torture, including attempted torture and complicity in such acts.
“We’re again calling on the Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore as he is detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights,” the organisation added.
