The Federal Government (FG) has taken disciplinary and investigative steps following the deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the constitution of a 10-member independent committee to establish what happened before, during and after the detainees’ arrest and detention. The committee was constituted following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
As part of the immediate response, 20 NSCDC officers and the Niger State Commandant of the Corps were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspended personnel include officers involved in the arrests, investigation, legal duties, station supervision and guarding of detainees.
The government said the investigation will go beyond determining the identities of those who died. The panel has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention, establishing the cause and circumstances of the deaths, and determining whether there was responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity.
It will also recommend appropriate action and compensation where applicable, as well as measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The panel is chaired by retired Department of State Services Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while former Nigeria Law School Director-General Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, a representative of the Miners Association of Nigeria, lawyer Deji Adeyanju, journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst George Agbakahi.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior. It may also visit locations connected to the incident, access relevant documents and facilities, invite experts and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face serious consequences.
The cause of the deaths remains a key issue under investigation. Earlier accounts from authorities and survivors have differed, making the independent inquiry central to establishing what occurred in custody.
The Federal Government has also appealed for calm and expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
