An Examination of the Oputa Panel as the Vehicle for Victim-centred Justice in Nigeria

Abstract

Truth Commissions seek to address issues of human rights violations that occurred during conflict or political violence. The Human Rights Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel) led the transitional justice process in Nigeria after it had transitioned from military rule to democratic rule in 1999. Like other Commissions of its kind, it expressed claims that the truth-seeking process would benefit the victims of human rights violations. This study examined the Commission and its contribution towards meeting the needs of those most affected by human rights violations during military rule. The study sought to evaluate the success or otherwise of this Commission's operations by focusing on the extent to which victims benefitted from the process. The case study research design was adopted, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were used to elicit responses from relevant stakeholders among the population of the study. The study is qualitative in nature and data gathered were analysed textually and arranged, using themes relevant to the subject matter. This study found that the Oputa Panel was not an effective instrument of victim-centred justice primarily because the reliefs victims received were largely limited. The participation of victims in the process did not translate into compensation or other forms of empowerment for victims. The study recommended that there must be a demonstration of the political will to implement the recommendations of truth commissions established in Africa. The victim-centred approach investigated here offers useful insights into the challenges faced by victims of human rights violations experienced in post-military regimes in Africa.