The United States says the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to implement laws against corruption has led to the perpetration of such practices.
The country made the remarks in its 2017 Human Rights Report, The Cable reports.
It was gathered that the US said numerous cases of corruption were evident across all levels of government.
It added that “impunity remained widespread at all levels of government,” even though the government had taken steps to investigate alleged human abuses.
It said: “Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity.
“Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the security services.
“The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors while in office.”
The report also indicted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for failing to follow due process while prosecuting corruption charges.
It pointed out that despite court orders demanding his release, a former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has been in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2015.
Among the most significant human rights issues which have occurred, it listed the following: “Extrajudicial and arbitrary killings; disappearances and arbitrary detentions; torture, particularly in detention facilities, including sexual exploitation and abuse; use of children by some security elements; looting and destruction of property; civilian detentions in military facilities, often based on flimsy evidence.”
Also included are: “Denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement; official corruption; lack of accountability in cases involving violence against women and children; trafficking in persons; and early and forced marriages.”
Meanwhile, it was previously reported that during a bilateral meeting, President Donald Trump of the USA commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the success recorded in the fight against corruption.
He also said the US was ready to support Nigeria in the war against insurgency; noting that the country had sold 12 Tucano fighter jets to Nigeria.
