The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 people who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State. FIDA expressed concern over reports that children were among those detained, with one report identifying a seven-year-old among the victims. The organisation stated that the incident raised serious questions about the state’s responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of people in detention.
According to FIDA, survivors described severe overcrowding, intense heat and inadequate ventilation inside the detention facility, with detainees struggling to breathe and calling for assistance. The organisation emphasised that the precise circumstances and causes of the deaths remained subject to investigation. FIDA questioned why 37 people died while in state custody and who would answer for what happened inside the facility, stressing that the questions required answers, evidence and accountability.
FIDA maintained that arrest does not extinguish a person’s right to dignity, while children do not lose their rights because they, their parents or guardians are suspected of an offence. The organisation stated that custody places a heightened duty of care on the State and does not suspend human rights. FIDA called for a full investigation into how the detainees were arrested, the basis for their detention, the number of people held, and the conditions in which they were kept.
The organisation demanded the preservation of arrest and detention records, CCTV footage, medical records, duty rosters, communication records, photographs, videos and other forensic evidence relevant to the case. FIDA also called for accountability against anyone found to have acted unlawfully, breached a duty of care, ignored pleas for assistance, concealed information or otherwise contributed to the deaths. The organisation stressed the need for an independent review of detention conditions within security agencies.
FIDA further demanded the immediate identification and protection of every child affected by the incident, including verification of the identity and age of every child arrested or detained. The organisation called for surviving children to receive medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection, while urging authorities not to return them to inappropriate detention arrangements. FIDA welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to constitute an independent committee to investigate the deaths.
The investigation, according to FIDA, must be independent, transparent, evidence-led and capable of producing consequences. The organisation also called for an independent review of detention conditions within security agencies, focusing on overcrowding, ventilation, water, healthcare, emergency response, record-keeping and safeguards for children and other vulnerable detainees. This review aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President, Eliana Martins, and National Publicity Secretary, Chineze Obianyo, signed the statement, emphasising the need for accountability and answers in the deaths of the 37 people in NSCDC custody. The organisation's demands aim to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- FIDA demands independent probe into deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody
- Organisation cites severe overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in detention facility
- FIDA calls for accountability and protection of children affected by the incident
