The center condemned the continued silence by the agency and shielding of the officer two years after the incident despite several inquiries to confirm whether Mr. Festus is one of its personnel and what steps are being taken to hold him and his accomplices accountable for their actions.
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, a human rights law centre, Sterling Law Centre has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to bring one of his operatives, Festus Arobo Uchenna to justice for allegedly torturing Patrick Okachi, a former roomkeeper at the Statement Hotel Abuja.
The center condemned the continued silence by the agency and shielding of the officer two years after the incident despite several inquiries to confirm whether Mr. Festus is one of its personnel and what steps are being taken to hold him and his accomplices accountable for their actions.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the center, Deji Ajare and made available to journalists in Abuja to commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
SaharaReporters on November 8, 2022 exclusively reported how Patrick was tortured and injured over a ‘missing cash safe’.
Patrick, who was a cleaner in the hotel, was accused of stealing a cash safe while cleaning its chairman's office.
The allegation was made by the hotel secretary, Celina.
Patrick had in a viral video recounted his ordeal how he was detained for three days in Celina's office before he was taken to another location in Dawaki village by the DSS operatives where he endured another round of beating and torture.
He said Celina also joined the operatives in assaulting him despite his pleas for mercy.
The statement reads, “As we commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Sterling Law Centre once again reiterates its unwavering commitment to the fight against torture and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
“Today, we call upon the Nigerian government to go beyond mere words and rhetoric in the prohibition and condemnation of torture. It is imperative that the government summons the political will to ensure that perpetrators of torture are truly and deservedly punished in order to serve as a deterrence.
“The case of Patrick Okachi, who was mercilessly tortured by persons believed to be officials of the State Security Service (SSS) led by Mr. Festus Arobo Uchenna at the instance of Ms. Celyna Onyekachi Okiyi, the Manager of Statement Hotel, is a glaring example of the impunity that pervades our system.
“Patrick Okachi, a former roomkeeper at the hotel, suffered unimaginable pain and indignity at the hands of those who are supposed to protect the citizens of this nation.
“Despite overwhelming evidence and tireless efforts by human rights advocates, the police have failed to arrest and prosecute Mr. Festus Arobo Uchenna and his cohorts.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has also remained silent, refusing to respond to numerous enquiries to confirm whether Mr. Festus Arobo Uchenna is indeed one of its personnel and what steps are being taken to hold him and his accomplices accountable for their heinous actions.
“This inaction is not only a grave injustice to Patrick Okachi but also a blatant violation of Nigeria's obligations under international human rights law. The government of Nigeria is bound by the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights to ensure the protection of all individuals from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
“Sterling Law Centre is deeply concerned by the continued failure of the Nigerian government to uphold these obligations. The lack of accountability for perpetrators of torture sends a dangerous message that such atrocities can be committed with impunity. This must not be allowed to continue.
“We categorically state that Sterling Law Centre is considering and may sue the Federal Government of Nigeria for its failure to protect the rights of Patrick Okachi. This is a step we do not take lightly, but one that is necessary to secure justice for Patrick and to compel the government to fulfill its international obligations.
“The Nigerian government must act decisively to ensure that those who commit acts of torture are held accountable, and that victims receive the justice and reparations they deserve. The time for action is now. Words and rhetoric are not enough. We demand justice for Patrick Okachi and for all victims of torture in Nigeria.
“Let today be a reminder that the fight against torture is far from over, and we will not rest until justice prevails.”