Osinbajo Sets Up Commission To Investigate Alleged Human Rights Abuse By Nigeria Military

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission to investigate “alleged acts of violation” of human rights by the Nigerian military.

Osinbajo in a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, on Friday mandated the commission headed by Justice Biobele Georgewill to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement

The latest move may not be unconnected to reports by international human rights group accusing the country’s military of rights abuse in several operations.

Recall that the Amnesty International accused the army of slaughtering over 300 Shiite protesters in Kaduna in 2015, killing dozens of pro-Biafra protesters, and suspected Boko Haram members.

The military has always denied the claims, as it has always been given the free-will to set up its own panel of investigation, which always cleared it of any wrongdoing.

“Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal, to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations,” Akande said.

“It is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation, (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws.

“The commission equally has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution of local conflicts and insurgencies and also advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.”

He listed members of the judicial commission to include Patrick Akem, a major general, Wale Fapohunda, Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Ifeoma Nwakama, and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days,” Mr. Akande added.