The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody have triggered a Federal Government investigation, with President Bola Tinubu directing authorities to uncover what happened and establish those responsible. In response to the presidential directive, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday announced a 10-member independent committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into […]

The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody have triggered a Federal Government investigation, with President Bola Tinubu directing authorities to uncover what happened and establish those responsible.

In response to the presidential directive, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday announced a 10-member independent committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The 37 detainees died on Thursday, September 17, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command.

The circumstances leading to their deaths remain unclear, as authorities have yet to establish the cause of the incident.

The committee will begin by identifying the deceased and examining the events surrounding their arrests and detention by the Civil Defence Corps.

Its mandate also covers the circumstances of the deaths and whether negligence, misconduct or other forms of wrongdoing contributed to the incident.

The government said the panel would identify individuals or institutions responsible and recommend appropriate measures, including compensation where applicable.

The Interior Ministry also issued a strong warning against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, stating that the destruction or concealment of evidence, intimidation of witnesses or obstruction of the panel would be treated as a serious offence.

Retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure has been appointed chairman of the committee, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.

The other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a Histopathology professor and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; and Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria.

Lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, Blueprint Newspaper’s Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi are also members of the panel.

The committee can bring in additional experts where necessary and has been authorised to inspect relevant facilities, obtain documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive information from members of the public.

The panel is expected to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior within two weeks.

While expressing sympathy to the families of those who died, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to remain calm as the government works to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.