The Federal Government of Nigeria has constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Human Rights Lawyer and Activist, Deji Adeyanju, has been inaugurated as one of the independent members of the committee. The inauguration took place in Abuja, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasizing the need for the committee to recommend disciplinary measures and compensation where applicable.
The committee, chaired by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Jonathan Kure, has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior. The committee's terms of reference include recommending measures to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. Other members of the committee include Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma.
The Federal Government has authorized the committee to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations, engage experts where necessary, and receive memoranda from members of the public. The NSCDC leadership and relevant officers have also been directed to cooperate fully with the probe and preserve all records and material evidence relating to the incident. This is aimed at ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspension is part of the measures taken by the government to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individual or institutional responsibility arose from the arrest, detention, or deaths of the 37 suspected miners. The committee's findings are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances of the incident.
The investigation is expected to identify any lapses or wrongdoing and guide the Federal Government's response, including possible disciplinary action and compensation for the victims where applicable. The committee's report will also inform measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Minister of Interior has emphasized the need for the committee to work diligently to ensure that justice is served.
The members of the committee bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the investigation. They include Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr. George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The outcome of the probe is expected to provide closure for the families of the deceased and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Federal Government's decision to constitute an independent committee to investigate the incident demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability. The committee's findings and recommendations will be made public at the end of its assignment.
Key points
- The Federal Government has given the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior.
- The committee has been authorized to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, and engage experts where necessary.
- The Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
