By Gabriel Ameh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the public flogging of a resident of Emevor Community in Delta State over a Facebook post criticizing the poor condition of roads in the community, describing the incident as a grave violation of the victim’s fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, the NHRC said it was deeply disturbed by a viral video showing the young man subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment after expressing his views on social media.
According to the Commission, no tradition, community resolution, or disagreement can justify violence against any individual for exercising the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Ojukwu described the incident as an assault on civic freedoms, stressing that it violates Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person, as well as the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He commended law enforcement agencies for swiftly arresting and arraigning some of the alleged perpetrators, including the Chairman of Emevor Community, who was accused of presiding over the assault.
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” Ojukwu said, urging the judiciary to ensure accountability in the case.
The NHRC Executive Secretary disclosed that the Commission is actively monitoring proceedings and will engage relevant stakeholders to ensure the victim receives adequate protection, medical treatment, and psychosocial support.
He also warned community leaders and other persons in positions of authority against resorting to unlawful punishments over disputes arising from social media activities.
“Grievances, including those stemming from comments made on social media, must be addressed through lawful means. Jungle justice has no place in Nigeria,” he said.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting fundamental rights, Ojukwu said the NHRC would continue to stand with the survivor while advocating for freedom of expression, human dignity, and the protection of the rights of every Nigerian.
