FG launches probe into 37 deaths in NSCDC custody, suspends 21
Federal Government Launches Investigation into Deaths of Detained Suspects in Niger State
The Nigerian federal government has established a ten-member committee to investigate the recent deaths of 37 individuals in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The victims were being held on suspicions of illegal mining.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the formation of the committee on Saturday, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a thorough and transparent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on Thursday.
In his statement, Tunji-Ojo confirmed the immediate suspension of 21 officers linked to the event, including the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, station guards, arresting officers, and personnel on duty at the time.
Describing the deaths as “disturbing,” the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to providing families of the deceased and the public with a clear and comprehensive account of the events that transpired.
The committee is tasked with identifying the deceased, investigating the circumstances of their arrests and detention, and determining the causes of their deaths. It will also assess issues of responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and recommend necessary actions, including compensation where relevant, alongside measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offense,” Tunji-Ojo warned.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, and is supported by Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, who serves as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include retired Assistant Inspector General Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a representative from the Minna Emirate Council, and representatives from both the Niger State Government and the Miners Association of Nigeria, among others.
The suspended NSCDC officers are:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed, Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed, Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday, Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis, Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino, Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi, HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado, O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed, Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada, Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar, Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya, Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman, Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi, Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu, Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed, Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah, Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi, Guard Duty
In closing, the Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged them to remain calm as the investigation proceeds.
