Nigerians Held in Gambian Secret Prisons, Says Amnesty International

Published on Saturday 13th February 2010

Amnesty International and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) have disclosed that some Nigerians and other Africans are being held without trials in secret maximum security cells in Gambia.

The human rights advocates did not disclosed the identity of the Nigerians or for what offences they are being held; it however noted that they were being held in Mile 2 Prison Maximum Security Cell.

It therefore called on Nigeria to demand better human rights record from Gambian government when it comes under review at the United Nations today.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY, UN members will have the opportunity to question the Gambian government on its human rights record and to suggest actions to address violations during the Universal Periodic review.

Amnesty International accused the Gambian government of having secret detention centers which include inside military barracks and some remote police locations.

Director of WARDC, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi said Nigeria has a role to play in bettering the situation considering its position in continental affairs.

He urged the Nigerian government to ensure that the Gambia review is used as an opportunity to address compensation for victims of torture and to obtain guarantees that there will be no repeat of such serious human rights violations.

"In March 2009, Amnesty International documented the cases of up to 1,000 people from Foni Kansala District who were taken to secret detention centers by National Intelligence Agents (NIA) and the President's personal guards," he said.

They were reportedly forced to drink hallucinogenic liquids and confess to witchcraft. Many reportedly have serious kidney problems; at least six have died" the statement said.

According to Amnesty International, the human rights situation in Gambia has worsened since the foiled alleged coup plot in March 2006.