The Federal Government’s Independent Investigative Committee has confirmed that the 37 suspected miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State died from asphyxiation, simply known as suffocation.
The Chairman of the committee and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
The committee was inaugurated by the Minister following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. President Tinubu had stated that the suspension of officers implicated would not replace criminal prosecution where evidence of wrongdoing is established.
“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,” the President said.
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He added: “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.”
The 10-member committee was mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances of their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death, and identify any negligence or misconduct by officers. It was also tasked with assessing the conditions of the detention facility, including overcrowding and medical attention provided.
The NSCDC had earlier admitted that the deaths occurred in its custody but said the cause was yet to be determined, initially suggesting a possible diphtheria outbreak. However, reports indicated that about 65 persons were held in the cell, with poor ventilation and overcrowding suspected to have contributed to the tragedy.
Kure said the panel visited the detention facility in Minna, the mining site and the NSCDC state headquarters, conducted autopsies, and obtained statements from survivors, bereaved families, and corps personnel.
The full report is expected to recommend further actions, including possible prosecution of culpable officers.
