Reloaded News Desk
The investigation into the deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State has entered a critical phase, with the Federal Government insisting that the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be fully established.
The detainees were held on suspicion of illegal mining in Minna before the deaths were reported on September 17.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation, saying no person should lose his life in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The Federal Government subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths and establish whether any official action, negligence or misconduct contributed to the tragedy.
Twenty-one NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The government has made clear that the suspensions are administrative and are not a substitute for determining criminal responsibility where evidence establishes wrongdoing.
The cause of the deaths remains subject to investigation. Authorities in Niger State have also commenced medical and forensic processes as part of efforts to establish what happened.
The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
