Nigerian police torture victims, report says

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s federal police officers use illegal arrests and torture to demand bribes from the innocent, sometimes killing people over as little as 13 cents, according to a report released yesterday by Human Rights Watch.

The report alleges that police in the oil-rich nation shake down crime victims for money to buy stationery and bus fares, while dual flat-screen plasma teleconference equipment worth $50,000 and leather couches fill one office.

International rights groups have long accused Nigeria’s police of committing extrajudicial killings and fostering an officer corps that preys on the impoverished. However, the new report offers victims’ testimony detailing the profit that officers allegedly gain through their cruelty.

“They said the police don’t work without money,’’ an engineer who had asked officers to investigate his brother’s death told the rights group. “They said if I don’t have money, I shouldn’t go for justice.’’

Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said yesterday’s report contains “largely embellished innuendoes’’ and had reached a preconceived conclusion. In an article posted to the force’s website Saturday, Ojukwu had criticized corrupt officers.

Those interviewed for the report spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.


(2010-08-18/boston.com)