The Acts of Torture and Other Forms of Ill-Treatment of Citizens by Some Institutions and the Role of Criminal Justice System in Nigeria
PIWUNA M. G. LL.M, BL, PGDM

Abstract
The campaign against torture and other forms of ill-treatment as a social vice and crime against humanity has been persistent since the post second world war era. Indeed there was a plethora of torture incidences during the Second World War; chief amongst them is the holocaust. Unfortunately, this regime of torture has been permitted into the Criminal Justice System by law enforcement agencies in virtually every nation. Although universally, torture is generally accepted as repugnant to natural justice, yet there appears to be nothing to show that torture is on the decrease, rather it would appear that state sponsored torture continues to go unabated. This is so despite the enactment of numerous legislations and treaties by both international and national concerns, condemning the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in criminal justice administration. This paper examines the act of torture, reasons that occasion or warrant torture and the effects on humanity. Some of the international human rights instruments and the national human rights prohibiting torture are also examined to establish the gap between the provisions and the practical applicability and the protection of citizens against torture in Nigeria.

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