The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 people who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tunji-Ojo charged the panel to carry out its assignment independently and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, stressing that justice would be the best tribute to the families of the deceased.
The committee is expected to identify the victims and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention. It will also determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
It is further mandated to establish whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where necessary and steps to prevent a recurrence.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the investigation. He also ordered that all records and other material evidence relating to the case be preserved and made available to the committee.
Tunji-Ojo warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face serious consequences.
He assured Nigerians that no officer, regardless of rank or position, would be protected if found culpable.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
The committee is expected to begin work immediately and submit its report within two weeks.
The 37 people died on September 17 while in NSCDC custody in Niger State after being detained over suspected illegal mining. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to investigation.
