33 Dead Miners Detained in NSCDC Custody ..... FG Orders Prosecution of Officers

Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo receiving the report of the Investigative Panel from Chairman of the Committee, Mr Jonathan Kure (a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS).

….. 14 minors among victims as committee recommends N1.4bn compensation

..... Report also identified 41 survivors and attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration, as well as the failure of officers to respond to repeated distress calls by detainees.

The Federal Government has received an investigative report confirming the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, with a commitment to prosecute officers found culpable and introduce reforms to prevent a recurrence.

The report also identified 41 survivors and attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration, as well as the failure of officers to respond to repeated distress calls by detainees.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the report of the Independent Investigative Committee set up by the Federal Government to probe the incident.

The committee was chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure (rtd.), a former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the findings, the incident was compounded by unlawful detention practices, inadequate supervision and serious lapses in the handling of the detainees.

Describing the deaths as tragic and regrettable, Tunji-Ojo said the government was determined to ensure justice for the victims and their families, stressing that no officer found responsible would be protected, irrespective of rank or position.

He specifically directed that officers suspected of concealing or attempting to destroy evidence should be immediately suspended pending further investigation.

“No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position. Those officers who concealed or attempted to destroy evidence must be suspended immediately, pending further investigation. You cannot destroy evidence,” the minister said.

He added that the report would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action, while the Ministry of Interior would undertake a comprehensive review of its recommendations.

The committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution, where appropriate, of officers found responsible for the deaths.

It also proposed N1.4bn compensation for the families of the deceased, educational support for their dependants, and medical and psychological assistance for survivors and other affected families.

A formal government apology to the victims' families was also among the recommendations.

Tunji-Ojo said the government would carefully study the proposals before announcing its decisions, assuring the families that they would not be abandoned.

He further disclosed that the government would embark on far-reaching reforms within the NSCDC, including upgrading detention facilities, strengthening oversight mechanisms, improving personnel training and enforcing stricter accountability standards.

The minister said the measures were necessary to ensure that the circumstances leading to the deaths were not repeated.

He cited President Bola Tinubu's commitment to accountability and the protection of every Nigerian life, irrespective of status, saying the administration would ensure that justice was not only done but seen to have been done.

“Mr President has always said that every life is important, and no Nigerian life is more important than another. This is a President who has built his reputation on accountability. Renewed Hope is about accountability,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo commended the investigative committee for its work and thanked the President for his leadership, reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and support for those affected.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Mary Ali.