Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has set up a nine-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 persons who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command. The commission was inaugurated at the Government House, Minna, on Tuesday. Bago congratulated the members and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government and the people of Niger State.
The commission, chaired by Justice Muhammad S.A. Muhammad of the Niger State High Court, has four weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings. The governor was empowered by existing laws to establish the commission, according to the Niger State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Mu'azu. Mu'azu cited the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 27, Laws of Niger State, 1989.
The commission was established in response to public concern following the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody. Mu'azu clarified that the commission would not investigate the administrative conduct of NSCDC personnel or determine disciplinary measures against officers. Rather, its mandate was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths within the areas covered by the powers of the Niger State Government.
The terms of reference of the commission include investigating the circumstances of the arrest of the deceased and the legality of their detention. It will also examine the conditions and treatment of the victims while in custody, as well as the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The commission is further expected to examine the responsibility and accountability of relevant officers and consider medical and forensic evidence.
The nine-member commission has a diverse membership, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch, Mohammed Ibrahim Ndamitso; Permanent Secretary, Public Service, Dr Joseph Kolo; and Chief Magistrate Hafsat Abdullahi. Other members are Prof. Danladi Yunusa Hakimi, representing the Minna Emirate, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Dr Abubakar Sadiq Musa.
The commission also includes Deputy Commissioner of Police Habila Daniel; Nana Hauwa Isah, representing civil society; and Babangida Sani Muj, representing the mining sector. The NSCDC has been criticized for its handling of the incident, with some calling for the head of the NSCDC boss. However, the state government has taken a more cautious approach, setting up the commission to investigate the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for accountability. The commission's findings and recommendations are expected to shed more light on the incident and provide a way forward. The state government has assured that it will take necessary actions based on the commission's report.
Key points
- The commission has four weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings.
- The NSCDC has been criticized for its handling of the incident.
- The commission's terms of reference include investigating the circumstances of the arrest and detention of the deceased.
