37 Detainees’ Deaths: FG Inaugurates Independent Panel, Vows Full Investigation
Reloaded News Desk
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the committee on Tuesday and gave it a broad mandate covering the arrests, detention conditions, medical treatment and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The panel is expected to identify the deceased, determine the immediate and remote causes of death and establish when and where the deaths occurred.
It will also examine the legality and condition of the detention facility, compliance with detention procedures and human-rights standards, and whether any detainees were tortured, treated inhumanely or denied medical attention.
The committee will review medical and autopsy reports, detention records and other evidence and interview officers, surviving detainees, relatives, witnesses and medical personnel.
It is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, a representative of the Miners Association of Nigeria, lawyer Deji Adeyanju, journalist Zainab Okino and public affairs analyst George Agbakahi.
The Federal Government said anyone found responsible would face appropriate administrative or legal action.
Tunji-Ojo also warned against the destruction or concealment of evidence, intimidation of witnesses or obstruction of the investigation.
The deaths occurred after the NSCDC arrested suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations in Niger State.
President Tinubu had earlier ordered a full investigation and suspended senior NSCDC officers connected with the operation.
The cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established. The new investigation is expected to determine what happened and whether any individual or institution bears responsibility.
