The Nigerian Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, declaring that government institutions must never become places of death.
Tunji-Ojo said the government received reports on Thursday, September 17, that the 37 persons who were held by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicion of illegal mining had died in custody.
He said, “No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Tinubu stands for.
This administration was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters, and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism and respect for human rights”.
The minister said the investigation followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered inquiry into the incident.
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He said he had ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers who were on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Government institutions must never become places of death. No life should be lost in the custody of the state,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Niger State, and all Nigerians affected by the incident.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee was mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.
It is also to determine, through appropriate medical and forensic examinations, the cause and manner of death.
The committee is expected to establish whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister said the committee had full authority to co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations and request memoranda from members of the public.
He gave the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
Committee Membership
Tunji-Ojo named Mr Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, as chairman, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, would serve as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof Olayinka Buhari; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; and the National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman.
Others are lawyer and human rights activist, Mr Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.
Minister Warns Against Interference
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee, adding that all records and material evidence connected with the incident must be preserved and made available.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
“To Nigerians, I say this: we owe you the truth. This Committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the government would not abandon them.
Committee Pledges Independent Inquiry
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Jonathan Kure, described the assignment as a call to national service rather than a mere appointment.
He said members had accepted the responsibility on the understanding that their integrity would not be compromised.
Kure assured Nigerians that the committee would conduct its work with open minds and free from sentiments or media pressure, pledging that its findings would be delivered with its integrity intact.
