By Anan Geolengs
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe reported deaths of 37 persons in custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said on recently that the ministry received reports that 37 persons held by NSCDC, Niger Command, on suspicion of illegal mining, died in custody.
He said no life should be lost in custody of state, adding that administration of President Bola Tinubu was elected on promise that every Nigerian life matters.
He said upon receiving report and in line with directive of the President for comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation, he ordered immediate suspension of Niger Commandant of corps and all officers on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between Sept. 15 and Sept. 17.
He said officers remain suspended pending outcome of investigation.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee has mandate to establish identities of deceased, investigate and document circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, establish cause and manner of death through medical and forensic examination, determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or breach of duty occurred and recommend disciplinary action, compensation where applicable and measures to prevent recurrence.
He listed membership of committee to include Jonathan Kure, retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services, as Chairman and Prof. Isa Chiroma, former Director-General of Nigeria Law School, as Secretary.
Other members are retired AIG Hosea Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, representative of Minna Emirate Council, representative of Niger Government, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria, Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist, Zainab Okino of Blueprint Newspapers and Dr George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst.
Tunji-Ojo said committee has full authority to co-opt relevant experts, access all facilities, request memoranda from members of public, visit relevant locations and conduct forensic examination.
He said committee has two weeks to complete assignment and submit report.
The Minister said he had directed NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and preserve all records and material evidence connected to incident.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct investigation would be treated as serious offence.
“We owe you truth. This committee will give you truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” he said.
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