BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
A civil society organisation, Global Rights Nigeria has demanded for justice over the brutal killing of Ernest Ochowechi Owoicho by soldiers in Benue.
Owoicho, a father of two was tortured to death by yet-to-be-named officers of the Nigerian Military on April 5, 2025, at Ugbokpo in Apa Local Government Area of the State.
The military officers, who tortured and killed Ernest were identified as officers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, a military campaign ostensibly aimed at protecting citizens in the North Central by combating cultism and kidnapping.
Instead of sticking to their assignment, the soldiers deliberately and unlawfully executed a non-combatant civilian in direct violation of both Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
While condemning the extrajudicial killing, the organisation further requested a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into Mr. Owoicho’s killing, with full participation of the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission and relevant oversight bodies.
This was contained in a statement by the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu on Thursday in Abuja.
It reads: "Mr. Owoicho is dead, but justice must be served. In light of this grave injustice, Global Rights demands the following:
"A public acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the Nigerian military, along with adequate compensation for the deceased’s family, who have been robbed of a father and a provider.
"A comprehensive policy review on the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement. Nigeria must cease deploying soldiers for policing functions where trained civil law enforcement agencies are more appropriate.
"An immediate zero tolerance directive from military leadership against torture, abuse, and extrajudicial killings. The military must purge its ranks of officers who tarnish the image of the institution and violate the rights of citizens.
"While Global Rights acknowledges the dedication of gallant officers of the Nigeria’s Armed Forces, we also recognise that the military continues to harbor elements who see uniforms as a license to brutalize rather than protect. The Rules of Engagement are clear: torture is never acceptable. Killing unarmed, untried non-combatant civilians is not only unlawful—it is inhumane.
"Enough is Enough. Nigeria cannot build a just society if it continues to permit impunity. Mr. Owoicho's life mattered. His death must not be in vain. The perpetrators must be held accountable.
Baiyewu lamented that no reason or warrant was given for Mr. Owoicho’s arrest, adding that he was severely beaten and tortured publicly by the soldiers for two hours, till he succumbed to his wounds and died.
The organisation frowned that Owoicho's arrest was never documented, no charges were filed, no evidence was presented, and no court heard his case; instead, the military served as accuser, judge, and executioner—an unconscionable role in a democracy.
"Section 33 of Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to life, which can only be extinguished under the most exceptional legal circumstances. This killing also violates the Anti-Torture Act (2017) and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, both of which Nigeria ratified.
"In a democracy, due process must be respected in every step of the criminal justice process, ranging from arrest to sentencing. The Constitution offers robust protections to every citizen suspected of committing a crime, beginning with the principle of innocent until proven guilty. This is not optional. Extrajudicial killings like Ernest’s erode the rule of law and undermine public trust in institutions meant to protect them.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of militarising internal security. While civil law enforcement agencies are not without their flaws, they at least operate within a legal framework designed to protect the rights of suspects. Soldiers are trained for combat not for policing communities or investigating crimes," the statement added.
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