Nigeria orders independent inquiry into deaths of 37 suspected miners

Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned that anyone who destroys evidence or obstructs an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners will face legal action. Tunji-Ojo issued the warning in Abuja while inaugurating a 10-member independent committee examining the deaths of detainees held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. He directed NSCDC leaders and officers linked to the incident to preserve records and material evidence and make them available.

The committee, chaired by retired Department of State Services deputy director-general Jonathan Kure, is tasked with establishing the identities of the dead and examining the circumstances of their arrest, detention and deaths. It will also assess responsibility, negligence or misconduct and recommend action, including compensation where appropriate. The minister said the government owed the public and the families of those who died the truth.

He said no official or other person would be protected if found culpable and promised that the committee’s report would not be ignored. The committee has two weeks to submit its findings. The deaths occurred on September 17 after the men were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I.

Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while the cause remains under investigation. Survivors have alleged overcrowding, poor ventilation and the spraying of an unidentified substance in a cell.

The government has suspended the Niger State commandant and 20 other officers pending the inquiry. The NSCDC later said 24 personnel were in custody as part of its preliminary investigation.