Torture and Extrajudicial killings in Nigeria is a joint report to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).

Introduction

Torture, has been a subject of major concern in Nigeria. However, the prevalence of extra judicial killings in recent times has taken an upward swing. Reports have shown the wide spread disregard for human rights in the police force. Amnesty International reported that in 2010, hundreds of people were killed in police custody. The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial executions, other unlawful killings and enforced disappearances each year. The majority of cases go un-investigated and unpunished. The families of the victims usually have no recourse to justice or redress. Many do not even get to find out what exactly happened to their loved ones.

Amnesty International also recorded cases of suspects who were tortured to death while in detention. In other cases, people are victims of enforced disappearances; the police tell the families that they were transferred to a different police station or released on bail, but have no documentation to confirm it.

Nigeria has long ratified the several UN instruments on Human Rights, such as United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment since the 28th of June, 2001, but the impact is yet to be felt by the general public.

Highlights:

• National Committee on Torture: Preventive Mechanism.
• Torture Documentation and Redress Scheme (TDRS) Project: Findings on extra-judicial killings in Nigeria.
• Torture: Inhumane treatment of Mentally disabled persons.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Lack of reform and adequate human rights traini2ng, arrest and detention pra1ctices.

To download the full report (56.4Kb, PDF) PRAWA NOPRIN UPR Torture and Extra judicial Killings