Forty-six years ago, a tragic incident occurred in Lagos, where 47 men died inside a police Black Maria. The incident, known as the Black Maria Tragedy, happened on March 1980, when 68 men were packed into a dark blue police Bedford Black Maria and left in the Lagos heat for about three hours. The men, mostly poor migrants and labourers, were arrested during a police raid in Tin Can Island, Lagos. The vehicle, largely windowless, had only small openings for air, leading to the deaths of 47 men, with three more dying in hospital, taking the death toll to 50.
The Black Maria Tragedy led to national outrage, and a judicial inquiry was set up to investigate the incident. The tribunal, which sat at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi from March 17 to April 8, 1980, heard testimony from 53 witnesses and examined 97 exhibits. The inquiry found that the Black Maria was carrying far more people than it was designed for and that the men died from asphyxiation. Inspector Reuben Ikem was identified as the officer principally responsible for ordering the vehicle to be overloaded.
On September 17, 2026, 37 suspected illegal miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The incident occurred after a two-day NSCDC operation, during which at least 150 suspects were arrested. According to a witness, Garba, children under 18, including a seven-year-old, were among the deceased. Survivors have described disturbing conditions, including being locked in a small room with no adequate ventilation or water.
One survivor claimed that people were initially locked inside a small room before more detainees were brought in, causing overcrowding and heat. He also alleged that security officials sprayed a substance resembling perfume into the room, leading to the deaths. The survivors pleaded for water but were told that nobody would open the door. Another survivor said they screamed for help as guards were told people were dying one after another.
The NSCDC incident has raised questions about the treatment of people held in custody in Nigeria. The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners have brought back memories of the Black Maria Tragedy, highlighting concerns about the safety and welfare of detainees. The cause of death has yet to be formally established, but the incident has sparked outrage and calls for improved conditions in detention facilities.
The Black Maria Tragedy and the recent NSCDC incident share disturbing similarities, including overcrowding and inadequate care. Both incidents highlight the need for reforms in the way detainees are treated in Nigeria. The government has been urged to take steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (fij) reported that Pulse Nigeria obtained details of the 1980 Black Maria Tragedy and the recent NSCDC incident. Gloria Adesanya reported for Pulse Nigeria on September 19, 2026, highlighting the need for improved conditions in detention facilities and an investigation into the NSCDC incident.
Key points
- The Black Maria Tragedy and the recent NSCDC incident have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in Nigeria.
- In 1980, 50 men died in a Lagos Black Maria, and on September 17, 2026, 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
- Both incidents highlight the need for reforms in the way detainees are treated in Nigeria.
