The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The deceased were detained over suspected illegal mining before they died on September 17.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, serves as secretary.
Its members include representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, as well as officials of the Miners Association of Nigeria, a human rights lawyer, a journalist and a public affairs analyst.
The committee is expected to identify the deceased and establish the immediate and remote causes, as well as the time and place of their deaths.
It will also investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, examine the legality and conditions of the detention facility and determine whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were followed.
The committee will also investigate allegations of torture, inhumane treatment, denial of medical care, negligence or professional misconduct by any officer. It has been authorised to interview officers, other detainees, relatives, witnesses and medical personnel, as well as examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records and other relevant evidence.
Tunji-Ojo warned against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation.
He said anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action, while the families of the deceased could be considered for compensation or other remedial measures where applicable.
The minister also assured the families that the government would not shield anyone found responsible, adding that the committee’s report would be made public and those who need to be prosecuted would face the law.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report.
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