UK, AI Decry Non-prosecution of Human Rights’ Violators

Raheem Akingbolu Martins Ifijeh

The United Kingdom and Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria have stated that despite overwhelming evidence of human rights violations, the Nigerian authorities have failed to prosecute offenders and ensure accountability.

However, UK, on its part, expressed her satisfaction with Nigeria over the adoption of measures to hold security forces accountable for human rights abuses.

The country however raised question concerning the lack of prosecutions. UK’s position was contained in the Universal Periodic Review 3, which was published recently.

“The UK welcomes Nigeria’s public commitment to human rights, the civil-military dialogue and the adoption of measures to hold security forces accountable for human rights violations. But we are concerned that, despite several investigations, there have been no prosecutions,” the report said.

The report also pointed out that the UK was concerned that Nigeria remains a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons and that the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill is still not enacted.

To this end, it recommended that that Nigeria obeys court orders for the release of Ibrahim and Zeenat El-Zakzaky and holds accountable the perpetrators of the killing of 347 Islamic Movement Nigeria members.

On its part, Amnesty International said its revelation was necessary following the review yesterday of the country’s role on human rights at the 31st session of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Ossai Ojigho, said there are also concerns about restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and continued imposition of the death penalty in the country.

He said: “It is clear that Nigeria is not making progress in terms of bringing human rights violators to justice. We consistently called for accountability but the government hardly takes concrete steps to tame the tide of impunity across the country by making sure those responsible for human rights violations are brought to justice.