THE AUDIT OF THE VARIOUS DETENTION FACILITIES BY THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: THE NEED TO SUSTAIN IT WITH RESULTS. | EWENODE O. WILLIAM ESQ.

 

It was gladdening to Lawyers and the members of the Human Rights Community when the news broke out on Monday, 21st February 2022 of the commencement of the Audit of detention facilities by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

From the Reports, the Commission's aim as stated by its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, "was to ensure that practices in detention facilities across the country conform to human rights standards".

To demonstrate its seriousness, the flag-off took place during the Police Station Visitors Week (PSVW) at the Life Camp Police Station, Abuja.

Though I concede that this is not the first time 'Audit' of detention facilities are carried out, I think that this initiative is both timely as we approach the next general elections in 2023 and the need to shore up the country's image before the International Community.

The need to regularly Audit the various detention facilities across the country cannot be overemphasized bearing in mind the deteriorating state of these facilities.

Although the Commission has started the Audit with the Police, it is highly suggested that other detention facilities managed by the various military and para-military bodies should not be left out in this exercise.

It is a notorious fact that many detention facilities across the country have become "dangerous centers" with no iota of the slightest regard for the human rights of the inmates. Because of the horrendous abuse of the rights of the inmates in some cases, the inmates have turned out to become emotional wrecks and in some cases, hardened criminals. Some suspects have become useless to themselves and society.

There are also reports of sexual harassment, assaults, sexual abuse, rape, and inhuman and degrading treatments meted on suspects/inmates by the officers of some of these detention facilities.

There have also been reported cases of bullying, intimidation, coercion, and sometimes, the use of barbaric means in obtaining information by some officers.

Torture and other oppressive conduct on suspects/inmates by officers of detention facilities have been deprecated and effectively dealt with in various provisions of the Law including Section 29 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Another worrisome challenge is the horrendous odour oozing from many detention facilities. Suspects/Inmates sleep, wake, stand, and even eat under these horrible conditions.

Though the challenges with our detention facilities are legion, it is my expectation that the NHRC will make good its promise of publishing the outcome of these Audit so that the "guilty" bodies will be named and shamed so we can attempt a gradual departure from the bad to better detention facilities in all ramifications.

EWENODE O. WILLIAM ESQ.

Immediate Past NBA National Asst. Secretary.