The Federal Government has taken fresh action following the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, suspending 20 officers and setting up an independent panel to investigate what happened.
The measures were announced by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Saturday, September 19, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
The 37 detainees had reportedly been arrested over suspected illegal mining in Niger State before they died while in NSCDC custody on September 17. The exact cause of death has not yet been established.
20 NSCDC officers suspended
The latest suspension affects 20 officers linked to the arrest, investigation, legal processing and supervision of the detainees.
They include officers responsible for station security, investigation, intelligence, legal matters and guard duties.
The action comes after the earlier suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The government says the suspensions are part of measures to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
What happened to the 37 detainees?
That is the central question the new investigation is expected to answer.
The Federal Government says the panel will establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death and investigate whether there was negligence, misconduct, complicity or other responsibility.
The panel will also recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have already generated public concern. Earlier reports included questions about the conditions in which the detainees were held, while authorities have said the actual cause of death remains under investigation.
Who is on the 10-member panel?
The independent committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a histopathologist and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst George Agbakahi.
Panel given two weeks
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Interior Minister.
It can invite relevant experts, inspect locations connected to the incident, access documents and other evidence, and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo has also directed the NSCDC leadership and officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the investigation and ordered the preservation of relevant records and material evidence.
The minister warned that attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as serious offences.
For the families of the 37 deceased detainees, the investigation now carries a straightforward demand: establish what happened, determine responsibility where evidence supports it, and provide answers.
The government has expressed condolences to the families and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
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