The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo charged the committee to work independently and without interference, saying justice remains the government’s responsibility to the deceased and their families.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.
It will also determine the cause and manner of death through medical and forensic examinations and establish whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or breaches of duty occurred.
The committee will recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and other relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and preserve all records and evidence connected to the incident.
He also warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that no officer would be shielded if found culpable.
The committee, chaired by retired civil servant Jonathan Kure, is expected to begin work immediately and submit its report within two weeks.
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