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The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people who were being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on Saturday, September 19, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to investigation. Earlier reports had raised different possibilities, including illness and conditions within the detention facility.
Tunji-Ojo said the government considers the incident deeply disturbing and owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a clear account of what happened.
The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It will also investigate possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant personnel to cooperate fully with the investigation. He also ordered the preservation of all records and material evidence connected to the incident.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
10-member committee
The committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members are:
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd.)
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
- Representative of the Minna Emirate Council
- Representative of the Niger State Government
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria
- Mr Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist
- Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino, Blueprint Newspaper
- Dr George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst
The committee may co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
It has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
20 NSCDC officers suspended
The Minister also ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
The 20 officers are:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed, Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed, Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday, Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis, Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino, Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi, HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado, O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed, Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada, Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar, Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya, Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman, Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi, Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu, Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed, Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah, Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi, Guard Duty.Â
The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the independent investigation proceeds.
The Niger State Government had earlier declared three days of mourning following the deaths, while investigations into the incident continued.
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