By Chizoba Ogbeche
Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has raised alarm over the spate of physical and psychological torture in state institutions in Nigeria.
PRAWA in a press statement to mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CAT) said the situation causes concern.
The statement read in part: “Physical torture is a common practice in police detention facilities where for reasons of inadequate forensic facilities, inadequate capacity, training and oversight, the majority of detainees experience torture.
“The deteriorating conditions of detention in Nigeria’s Prisons also subject many victims to psychological torture. Whatever is its context and whoever it may affect the bottom-line is that any victim of torture has a right to justice and reparations. There is no room for distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ or ‘guilty’ or ’ innocent’ victims.”
PRAWA called on Nigeria government to fulfil its obligation under the CAT by integrating specialized and holistic rehabilitation of torture victims into Nigeria’s public health system.
