UN expert ‘to stop’ execution of 54 soldiers

The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, arbitrary or summary executions has waded into the matter of the 54 soldiers sentenced to death by firing squad.

The soldiers, attached to the 7th division of the army in Maiduguri, were found guilty of mutiny by a military court martial.

Believing that the judgment was unfair, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), had petitioned the UN body.

SERAP appealed that five UN human rights independent experts, should prevail on the government and military authorities not to execute the death sentence.

On Sunday, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP’s executive director, disclosed that the UN body has agreed to swing into action.

“SERAP has been in discussion with Johel Dominique at the office of the special rapporteur on extrajudicial, arbitrary or summary executions both on the telephone and via email,” he said.

“Johel Dominique has confirmed that the special rapporteur is considering appropriate action to avert the imminent execution of 54 soldiers on death row in the country. We have also confirmed to the special rapporteur that SERAP has the consent of Mr Femi Falana (SAN), the legal counsel to the 54 soldiers, to file the petition.”

Mumuni further noted that SERAP welcomes the decision of Christof Heyns, the leader of UN body to intervene in the matter, as Heyns has a longstanding human rights commitment and achievements.

“We have absolutely no doubt that Mr Heyns will work assiduously to ensure that justice is done in this matter and we wish him well as he strives to do that.”

The five special rapporteurs are Christof Heyns, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Juan Méndez, special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment; Pablo de Greiff, special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence; Mads Andenas, chair-rapporteur of the working group on arbitrary detention; and Ben Emmerson, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism.