NHRC investigates torture of a baby in Kano, says violator will not escape justice

From ODIMMEGWA JOHNPETER, Abuja

FOLLOWING its Standing Order and Rules of Procedures, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced preliminary investigation into alleged torture of a twenty month old baby, Musa Murtala who is lying critically ill at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano state.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe stated this in Abuja while reacting to the gruesome picture of the baby on the front page of Daily Trust newspaper of 25th May, 2016.

He disclosed that the Commission had received preliminary reports on the incidents from its zonal office in Kano stressing that he will ensure that all those involved in the dastardly act will be made to face the wrath of the law.

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He said preliminary investigation conducted by the officials of the Commission indicated that the alleged violators are now being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bompai, while more suspects are sort for by security operatives in connection with the incident.

Findings of the Commission’s Zonal office also revealed little Murtala is currently receiving treatment when the officials visited the hospital. Murtala’s mother, Bilkisu disclosed that her baby was brought to the hospital following multiple fractures on his arms and legs, a cut on the tongue and testes as well as an injury to his right eye.

While condemning the heinous act, Prof Angwe said “no cause justifies human rights abuse” adding that section 34(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, states that “no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman and degrading treatment”.