Police IG Petitioned Over Enugu Violence: Civil Rights Group Seeks Justice for Torture, Shooting Victims

“We condemn in an unequivocal term this act of torture in custody and we demand that the officers involved be made to face the full wrath of the law as penalised under Section 8...”

Nigeria's Anti-Torture Act: Section 6 safeguards detainees' right to choose their own doctor for medical exams.

The Civil Rights Realization and Advancement Network (CRRAN) has taken a bold step in seeking justice for five individuals who were allegedly tortured and shot in the legs by police officers in Enugu State. These individuals are members of the Neighbourhood Watch in Akpawfu community, Nkanu East Local Government Area.

Petition Details

Date: September 16

Addressee: Inspector General of Police

Signed by: CRRAN President, Olu Omotayo, Esq.

Request: Immediate action to address the situation

CRRAN has been actively advocating for human rights in Nigeria, previously petitioning the Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, over land grabbing issues, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria regarding access to justice in Enugu State. This recent petition highlights the organization's commitment to holding authorities accountable for alleged human rights violations.

CRRAN's Advocacy Efforts

Land Rights: Petitioned Enugu state governor over land grabbing by state officials

Access to Justice: Called for Chief Judge of Enugu State to respect lawyers' rights

Police Accountability: Seeking redress for alleged torture and shooting of Neighbourhood Watch members

By submitting this petition, CRRAN aims to ensure that the Inspector General of Police takes swift action to address the alleged abuses and protect the rights of these individuals.

The petition demanded the IG to also ensure their immediate release or arraignment in a court of law, should they be suspected of committing an offense.

It also demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged torture and shooting of the individuals.

“The community thereafter arrested three people who they suspected had a land dispute with the deceased and handed them over to the police in the area, but the police later released the suspects and invited some members of the community's Neighborhood Watch to report to the Octopus Base.

“The aforementioned Neighborhood Watch members reported to the Police and they have since been in detention.

“We were further informed that the police have refused access to the detainees by their families and lawyers.

“They further stated that when some members of the community were allowed to see the detainees two weeks ago, they were all limping as they had been tortured and shot on their legs by the police while in detention.”

The Civil Rights Realization and Advancement Network (CRRAN) has been working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of five detainees who were allegedly tortured and shot in the legs by police officers in Enugu State. Despite their efforts, a member of the CRRAN office was denied access to the detainees when they visited the Octopus Police Base, Enugu, on Friday, September 13.

CRRAN strongly condemns the police's actions, stating that shooting detainees to extract confessions is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, and a severe violation of human rights. This method of interrogation is not only morally reprehensible but also ineffective, as it can lead to false confessions.

Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated case. There have been numerous reports of police brutality and misconduct in Nigeria, highlighting the need for systemic reform. The use of excessive force, torture, and other forms of mistreatment are unacceptable and must be addressed.

Key Concerns:

Unlawful Interrogation Methods: Shooting detainees to extract confessions is a severe violation of human rights.

Lack of Transparency: Denying access to the detainees raises concerns about their well-being and treatment.

Systemic Reform: The incident highlights the need for comprehensive reform to prevent future cases of police brutality and misconduct.

CRRAN's efforts to seek justice for the detainees demonstrate the organization's commitment to protecting human rights and promoting accountability within the Nigerian police force.

“No matter the gravity of the offence they committed, the proper thing for the police to do is to charge the detainees before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We condemn in an unequivocal term this act of torture in custody and we demand that the officers involved be made to face the full wrath of the law as penalised under Section 8, Anti-Torture Act 2017 which provides punishment of 25 years imprisonment for a person who commits torture.

“Section 6, of the Anti Torture Act 2017” Under Section 6 of the Anti-Torture Act 2017, individuals under custodial investigation or detention are entitled to request an independent medical assessment by a competent doctor of their choice.

“Pursuant to this section, we hereby, on behalf of the detainees, demand that they be allowed access to a competent doctor of their choice to examine them in respect of the alleged severe torture of shooting them on their legs during investigation in police custody.”

The petition calls attention to police misconduct, stressing the importance of accountability and justice in protecting human rights.