Ecowas court orders Nigeria to pay ₦5m to torture victim
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to Oluwatimilehin Adebayo for violating his right to freedom from torture.
The court also directed the Nigerian government to thoroughly investigate the incident and prosecute those responsible.
Adebayo accused police officers in Ogun State of torturing him, including beating him with an axe handle and tying his limbs to a pole, resulting in severe physical injuries and psychological trauma.
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The Nigerian government challenged the court’s jurisdiction, citing a statute of limitations and the case’s status within domestic courts. However, the ECOWAS Court dismissed these objections, affirming its authority to hear human rights cases.
Justice Dupe Atoki, delivering the ruling, declared the acts constituted torture under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The court also mandated Nigeria to ensure accountability but dismissed a claim that Adebayo’s right to a remedy had been denied, citing a lack of formal complaint to authorities.
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