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 Nigeria to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.
Key Findings and Directives
- Torture Violation: The court held that Adebayo’s treatment constituted torture, violating Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- Compensation: The court ordered Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to Adebayo for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.
- Investigation and Prosecution: The court directed Nigeria to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.
- Right to Remedy:The court dismissed the claim that Adebayo’s right to a remedy had been violated, citing a lack of evidence that he had formally reported the abuse to relevant authorities.
Background of the Case
Adebayo had accused some police officers from Ogun State of subjecting him to severe physical abuse, including beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs with chains to a pole. This ordeal caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum, and left him suffering from significant psychological distress.
