FG moves to stop use of torture by law enforcement agents

By  Ise-Oluwa IGE
The Federal Government has set up a National Committee on torture to stem its incidence in the country and uphold the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

The Attorney_General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Andoakaa(SAN) made the disclosure in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the Committee is composed of persons of impeccable ethical value and recognized competence in the field of human rights.

According to him, the terms of reference of the committee include receiving and considering communications on torture from individuals, civil society organizations and government institutions and ensuring that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture are fully included in the training of law enforcement personnel, medical personnel and other persons who may be involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of persons subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment.

The committee which will be inaugurated on September 28, 2009 has its members largely drawn from outside the government organizations.

The Chairman of the Committee is S S Ameh (SAN) while the secretary is the Director, Citizens Right Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ms Omo-Osagie.