Niger: Bago inaugurates commission to investigate deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody
Niger State Governor Launches Inquiry into Custodial Deaths
MINNA, Nigeria — Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has established a nine-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent deaths of 37 individuals while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The commission was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Government House in Minna, following the swearing-in of its members by Justice Muhammad S.A. Muhammad, who will chair the commission.
During the inauguration, Bago commended the appointed members and emphasized the importance of their work in addressing public concern surrounding the tragic deaths. He urged them to fulfill the expectations of the Niger State government and its residents, assigning them a deadline of four weeks to complete their investigation and submit findings.
Niger State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Nasir Mu’azu noted that the governor has the authority to establish such a commission under existing laws. He referenced provisions in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Tribunal of Inquiry Act, and Section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 27, Laws of Niger State, 1989.
Mu’azu indicated that the inquiry was initiated in response to public outrage regarding the deaths of the detainees, emphasizing that involvement in illegal mining does not negate their fundamental rights or the state’s duty to safeguard their well-being in custody.
The commission will primarily focus on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ deaths and will not probe into the administrative conduct of NSCDC personnel or impose disciplinary measures against officers. Its mandate will include investigating the circumstances of the individuals’ arrests, the legality of their detention, conditions and treatment while in custody, and accountability of relevant officials. The commission will also consider medical and forensic evidence as part of its findings.
Justice Muhammad S.A. Muhammad chairs the commission, which includes various representatives: Mohammed Ibrahim Ndamitso, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch; Dr. Joseph Kolo, Permanent Secretary of Public Service; Chief Magistrate Hafsat Abdullahi; Prof. Danladi Yunusa Hakimi, representing the Minna Emirate; Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources; Habila Daniel, Deputy Commissioner of Police; Nana Hauwa Isah, representing civil society; and Babangida Sani Muj, representing the mining sector.
