Nigerian minister 'saw own son killed'

President Obasanjo recently testified

By Barnaby Phillips in Lagos

Nigeria's Human Rights Commission has been hearing emotional testimonies from people who say their relatives were killed by the security forces of the former military regime.

The commission, set up by the elected government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, began work last month, and has now moved to the commercial capital Lagos.

It is intended to examine human-rights abuses in Nigeria since 1966 and is loosely modelled on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The old Senate Building in the heart of Lagos was packed this morning as the public responded to the invitation to watch the commission's proceedings.

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Over the next four weeks, many of the most infamous and controversial incidents in Nigeria's recent history will be examined.

The commission does not have the power to punish or prosecute, although it can recommend that cases go on to be heard by a court of law.

The chairman, Chukwudifu Oputa, said the intention was to extract the truth without which forgiveness would not be possible.

Nigeria 'sick'

Shortly afterwards, the first petitioner, Dr Olu Onagoruwa, recounted how his son had been murdered by the security forces of the late General Sani Abacha in 1996.

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Nobody has been brought to justice for the killing.

Dr Onagoruwa described Nigeria as a country that is sick to its bones.

He said he hoped the commission could prove that Nigerians are human beings after all.