NHRC orders probe into viral video of alleged misconduct at Uyo office

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an immediate investigation into a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows unprofessional conduct by personnel at its Akwa Ibom State office in Uyo.

The commission announced the probe in a statement on Thursday through its Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, directed the investigation to establish the facts of what happened. The commission said appropriate administrative action would follow in line with existing rules if any infraction is established.

Neither statement described what the video shows or named any staff member. The commission did not say when the investigation would be completed.

Why it matters to ordinary Nigerians

The NHRC is the office many Nigerians turn to when they feel a police station, an employer or a government agency has treated them unfairly. Its services are free. If people fear rough treatment when they walk in to complain, fewer of them will come forward at all.

The commission said its staff are trained to treat every complainant with dignity and respect, no matter the circumstances.

"Our professional training is that at no point in time should a complainant be charged against even if there is provocation," the statement said.

It added that protecting human rights begins with how people who seek help are received.

The commission also restated its commitment to accessible, free, timely and accountable service, and asked anyone having difficulty accessing its offices to report the matter on its toll-free line, 6472.

What happens next

The investigation will establish the circumstances around the incident and determine whether any staff member should face disciplinary action. The commission has not given a timeline. Nigerians who have had problems at any NHRC office can call 6472 to report them.