Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago has taken a step towards unraveling the circumstances surrounding the death of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The governor has inaugurated a 9-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident. This move is aimed at getting to the root of the matter and establishing the facts surrounding the deaths.
The commission, headed by Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Niger State High Court of Justice, comprises a diverse group of individuals with various backgrounds and expertise. Members include Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Ndamiso, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch; Dr Joseph Kolo, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service; and Mrs Hafsat Abdullahi, a Chief Magistrate. Other members are Prof. Danladi Yunusa-Hakimi, Mr Abubakar Musa, Mr Habila Daniel, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mrs Nana-Hauwa Isah, and Mr Babangida Sani-Muji.
According to Governor Bago, the commission was established by law to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and legality of the custody of the deceased, their condition and treatment while in custody. The terms of reference also include investigating the circumstances and causes of the deaths, the responsibility and accountability of the officers involved, and the medical and forensic evidence. The commission is expected to make general findings and provide appropriate recommendations.
Governor Bago has given the commission four weeks to complete its assignment, expressing optimism and confidence in their capacity to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. He urged the members to be diligent, objective, and thorough in discharging their responsibilities, noting that their findings would assist the government in taking appropriate steps.
The inauguration of this commission is in addition to a committee set up and headed by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, to investigate the same incident. This indicates the government's commitment to unraveling the truth and taking necessary actions. The NSCDC has been under scrutiny following the incident, and the government is expected to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for accountability within the security agencies. The commission's findings are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents. The government has assured that it will take necessary actions based on the commission's findings.
The Niger state government's proactive approach to investigating the death of the 37 artisanal miners demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the security agencies. The commission's report is expected to provide a comprehensive account of the incident and inform necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago has inaugurated a 9-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the death of 37 artisanal miners in NSCDC custody.
- The commission has been given four weeks to complete its assignment and is expected to provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
- The government's actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the security agencies.
