You can help fight for justice for Moses Akatugba

 

Who is Moses Akatugba?

Moses Akatugba was sixteen years old when he was arrested under suspicion of armed robbery in November 2005. Soldiers shot him in the hand and beat him on the head and back before taking him to the police station. Moses then spent more than three months in police detention, where he says that police officers repeatedly beat him with machetes and batons. He told Amnesty that they tied and hung him up for several hours, and then used pliers to pull out his toe and fingernails. Finally, Moses was forced to sign two pre-written confessions.

Moses Akatugba was sentenced to death for armed robbery, after eight years awaiting trial in prison. The sentence was based only on his forced confession and the testimony of the robbery victim, which was full of contradictions.

Amnesty International strives to help

“The pain I went through in the hands of the officers was unimaginable. In my whole life, I have never been subjected to such inhuman treatment… I sincerely hope the authorities will listen to the voice of Amnesty International. I want Amnesty International to help save my life.”

– Moses Akatugba

The criminal justice system in Nigeria is weak, blighted by corruption and human rights violations. The use of torture is widespread and widely reported in Nigeria but most of the cases of torture by the security forces remain largely un-investigated.

On 1 October 2014 the Governor of the Niger Delta responded to pressure from Amnesty supporters and said he is looking into this case.

Supporting Amnesty International

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How you can help

Speak up for Moses Akatugba and send your message to the Governor of Delta State asking him to:

– Commute the sentence of Moses Akatugba, so he doesn’t face death.

– Instigate an independent investigation into Moses’ allegations of torture by the police in Delta state and ensure those found guilty should be brought to justice in fair trials.

– Stop the police and other security forces using torture to extract information or ‘confessions’ from suspects in detention.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/action-write-for-rights-moses-akatugba/