A Nigerian father of two was allegedly tortured to death by military officers in Benue State, sparking outrage from human rights organisation Global Rights, which is now demanding justice and policy reforms.
Ernest Ochowechi Owoicho died on April 5, 2025, after reportedly being beaten for two hours by officers identified as members of Operation Whirl Stroke in Ugbokpo, Apa Local Government Area. According to Global Rights, no reason was given for his arrest, no charges were filed, and no court proceedings were initiated before his death.
“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 Nigeria’s North Central by combating cultism and kidnapping; instead, they deliberately and unlawfully executed a non-combatant civilian,” said Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights.
The organisation claims the incident violates Section 33 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, and Nigeria’s international obligations under human rights treaties, including the Convention Against Torture.
Global Rights has issued several demands, including a thorough investigation with participation from the National Assembly and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), compensation for Owoicho’s family, and a comprehensive review of military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of militarising internal security,” the organisation stated, arguing that while civil law enforcement agencies have flaws, they operate within legal frameworks designed to protect suspects’ rights, whereas “soldiers are trained for combat, not for policing communities or investigating crimes.”
While acknowledging the dedication of many military officers, Global Rights asserted that the institution “continues to harbour elements who see uniforms as a licence to brutalise rather than protect” and stated that “Nigeria cannot build a just society if it continues to permit impunity.”
Military authorities have not yet responded to these allegations.
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