Judicial Commission to Investigate Alleged Human Rights Abuses by the Military

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, to review compliance of the Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Commission’s terms of reference empower it to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the extent of compliance in operational situations.

The Commission is also mandated to investigate alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws by Nigerian security agencies. The Judicial Commission is composed of as follows, Hon. Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, Chairman and Major-General Patrick Akem, Wale Fapohunda, Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Ifeoma Nwakama and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser as members. They are expected to commence work immediately and submit a report within 90 days.