Tinubu Orders Probe Into Death Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody, NHRC Demands Autopsy

By Victor Idajili

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the death of about 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

The National Human Rights Commission has also opened a preliminary investigation and called for an independent forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The victims were among those arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and Wushishi-Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16. Their bodies were later deposited at the General Hospital, Minna.

In a statement on Friday, President Tinubu described the incident as grave and requiring urgent investigation and accountability, saying no Nigerian should die in government custody due to negligence, abuse or inhumane treatment.

He said government will continue to fight illegal mining and other crimes, but enforcement must be done within the law and with respect for the rights of detainees.

"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," the President said.

He directed that the probe should cover how the arrests were made, the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, detention conditions, the number of persons held, medical care provided and what led to their deaths.

Tinubu ordered the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to fully cooperate with investigators and ensure no officer interferes with the process.

He said suspension of officers should not replace criminal accountability where necessary.

"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," he said.

He added that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, action or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, said the Commission has commenced a preliminary probe and called for preservation of evidence and an independent forensic autopsy in line with international standards.

Ojukwu said being suspected of illegal mining does not remove the constitutional rights of those arrested.

"Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human rights in accordance with national and international human rights instruments," he said.

He commiserated with families of the deceased and people of Niger State, and urged youths in Minna to remain calm.

President Tinubu also condoled with the families and called for calm, assuring that government will establish the truth and take action 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," he said.