The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a 10-man independent investigative committee to determine the causes of the deaths of 37 individuals suspected to be illegal miners. The committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The move aims to ensure justice is served for the deceased, who died in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The committee, led by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, has two weeks to submit its report. Other members include Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as secretary, and retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma. The panel also comprises Prof Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, a representative of the Minna Emirate Council, and a representative of the Niger State Government.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command. The cause of their deaths has not been established, prompting authorities to order an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation is ongoing.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo thanked President Tinubu for constituting the committee and directing an investigation into the incident. The minister stated that the move was aimed at ensuring justice for the victims. The government has promised to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The committee's terms of reference include unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the deaths. The panel is expected to conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing relevant individuals to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The government has assured the public that the investigation will be thorough and transparent.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in NSCDC custody. The government has been urged to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The committee's report is expected to provide recommendations on how to improve the treatment of detainees and prevent such incidents from occurring.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that justice is served in the case. The committee's report will be submitted to the government, which will then take necessary actions based on the findings. The incident has highlighted the need for improved oversight and accountability in the treatment of detainees.
Key points
- The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-man independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
- The committee has two weeks to submit its report and is expected to provide recommendations on how to improve the treatment of detainees.
- The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in NSCDC custody, prompting the government to assure the public of a thorough and transparent investigation.
