By Onyenweli Mercy
CLEEN Foundation in partnership with Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLAC,) has organized a three day training programme for Members of Civil Society Organization (CSO) Observatory Group on Administration of Criminal Justice Law )ACJL) to equip their knowledge on Nigeria Anti Torture Act Law, 2017.
The three day training for media/CSO which was held in Benin City was anchored by a guest lecturer, Prof. Eddy Akpomera and supervised by the program officer of CLEEN Foundation , Mrs Blessing Eromon and the Chairman of CSO Observatory Group, Dr. Bright.Oniobokukor
The new project is supported by the Rule of Law and Anti Corruption(RoLAC)which is funded by the European Union and Implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Prof. Akpomera in his explanation underscores the need for CSOs and Media practitioners to have a clearer understanding of the Nigeria Anti Torture Act Law,2017 for effective promotion of public awareness and implementation by relevant stakeholders.
Prof. Akpomera further highlighted some remarkable sections in the Act that said, ‘there is no justification for torture ‘ while information obtained in the course of carrying out a torture on a suspect is not admissible in the Law Court.
The training program was robustly interactive as participants were seen presenting their experience with security agencies, community leaders, organizations and individuals who carry out torture on suspected criminals to obtain information from them.
At the end of the three days training programme, participants called for increased public sensitization of the Act and full domestication of the Anti Torture Act Law in Edo State.
Some of the participants who spoke to the Crusaders Voice expressed their gratitude to CLEEN Foundation and RoLAC for sponsoring such training for CSOs and Media practitioners to first understand the details of the Act before carrying out advocacy.