No Trial, No Justice, Just Death: Outrage as Soldiers Torture Nigerian Man to Death in Benue
By Comfort Chukwukelue
Benue State, Nigeria — Shock and anger have erupted across some parts of Nigeria following the brutal killing of Ernest Ochowechi Owoicho, a father of two, who was tortured to death by officers of the Nigerian military on April 5, 2025, in Ugbokpo, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Global Rights, a human rights organization, has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a gross violation of Nigerian and international law.
Owoicho’s death, the organization said, was not just an isolated act of brutality but part of a disturbing pattern of impunity within Nigeria’s internal security operations.
Owoicho was reportedly arrested by soldiers attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, a military task force deployed to tackle cultism and kidnapping in the North Central region. Witnesses say no warrant was presented, no explanation was offered, and no legal process was observed. The father of two was beaten and tortured in full public view for nearly two hours until he succumbed to his injuries—without ever being charged with a crime.
“There was no trial, no hearing, no opportunity for defense—just death,” Global Rights said in a scathing statement released over the weekend. “The military acted as accuser, judge, and executioner. This is not only unlawful—it is inhumane.”
Citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to life, Global Rights emphasized that Owoicho’s killing was a clear breach of both domestic law and international conventions Nigeria has ratified, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture.
Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act of 2017 also makes acts of torture illegal under any circumstances, and mandates that security agencies follow due process and uphold the rights of suspects.
“This tragedy underscores the dangers of using military force in civil policing,” the statement continued. “Soldiers are trained for warfare—not for community policing or criminal investigations. Militarizing internal security has repeatedly led to abuses like this, where innocent civilians pay the price.”
Global Rights is now calling for immediate and decisive action. The group has outlined four key demands:
1. An independent, transparent investigation into Owoicho’s death involving the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies.
2. Public acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the military and compensation to Owoicho’s family.
3. A policy review to limit the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement.
4. A zero-tolerance directive from the Nigerian military leadership against torture and extrajudicial killings.
“This cannot be swept under the rug,” said Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights. “We salute the brave and disciplined officers in Nigeria’s Armed Forces, but the military must rid itself of those who see the uniform as a license to brutalize.”
She added, “Mr. Owoicho’s life mattered. His family deserves justice. Nigeria cannot build a lawful and humane society if we keep tolerating this kind of impunity.”
As the nation mourns yet another victim of state-sanctioned violence, the spotlight now turns to Nigerian authorities: Will justice be served—or will Ernest Owoicho’s name join the long list of lives lost to unchecked brutality?
