President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal minerswho died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The President also directed that any government official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tinubu gave the directive in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing the deaths as a grave development requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
The President said no Nigerian should lose their life in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability.”
The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago subsequently confirmed that 37 detainees had died in NSCDC custody. Forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, are being conducted to establish what caused the deaths.
The exact cause has not been established. The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while accounts from survivors and other reports have raised questions about overcrowding and ventilation in the detention facility. Authorities have said the medical investigation must determine the actual cause.
Tinubu said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their fundamental rights while in government custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.”
He directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the number of people held at the facility, detention conditions, medical attention provided and the events leading to the deaths.
The President also warned that the suspension of government officials must not be treated as a substitute for determining whether criminal responsibility exists.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution.”
The directive follows the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC has separately constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
The Federal Government has also assured Nigerians that anyone found culpable will not be shielded from accountability, while cautioning against prejudging the outcome of the investigation.
The deaths triggered protests in Minna on Friday, with reports of vandalism and clashes during demonstrations over the incident. The Niger State Government subsequently imposed a curfew as authorities moved to contain the unrest.
Tinubu appealed for calm among the families and communities affected by the deaths and assured them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth based on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable.”
The investigation will now determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether any officials should face criminal prosecution.
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