Lawyers Alert has called for an independent investigation into the alleged physical assault of women suspected of engaging in sex work by an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other public officials in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The human rights organisation condemned the incident, reported by Sahara Reporters, following footage showing the women allegedly being physically assaulted during an enforcement operation.
In a statement signed by its Senior Programs Officer, Confidence Ezeala, Esq., Lawyers Alert described the footage as raising serious concerns about violations of citizens’ rights by public officials entrusted with protecting them.
The organisation acknowledged the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain public order and investigate suspected crimes but insisted that such duties must be performed within the confines of the law.
It stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should be addressed through lawful investigation and due process rather than physical violence, intimidation or degrading treatment.
Citing Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, Lawyers Alert noted that every person is entitled to respect for the dignity of the human person, with protection against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
It emphasised that these constitutional safeguards apply to everyone, irrespective of occupation, social status or public perception.
The organisation warned that the reported incident underscored the need to address stigma-driven enforcement and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Lawyers Alert called on the Ebonyi State Government and NSCDC leadership to immediately commence an independent and transparent investigation, preserve available evidence and ensure that any officer found culpable faces appropriate accountability measures.
It also demanded that the affected women be provided with medical care, legal assistance and effective remedies without intimidation or retaliation.
The organisation further urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene urgently, establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that the women’s rights are protected and justice pursued.
Lawyers Alert reaffirmed its commitment to challenging human rights violations and demanding accountability from public institutions, insisting that no woman should be subjected to violence merely because she is suspected of engaging in sex work.
