SERAP Demands Investigation into Alleged Police Torture of Sowore

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Tinubu administration to launch an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the alleged torture and ill-treatment of journalist and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by members of the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued on Friday, SERAP condemned the reported abuse, urging the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

“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,” the statement read. “It also demonstrates how little the police fear getting punished for the blatant violations of citizens’ rights.”

SERAP further demanded that the police “name and shame” those involved in the alleged acts, and ensure their prosecution by national and international law.

Quoting Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to the dignity of the human person, SERAP reminded the government of its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, to which Nigeria is a state party. The Convention mandates the criminalisation, investigation, and prosecution of torture and related abuses.

“Article 4 of the Convention clearly requires governments to ensure all acts of torture are offences under criminal law, including attempts and complicity,” SERAP stated.

The rights group also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, who they say is being detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

As of press time, police authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations or SERAP’s demands.