Deaths in the Minna mines: the FG group asks for a two-week extension, points out institutional shortcomings, excessive zeal of the officials

Toyyibat Qasim

The federal government-appointed commission investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps has sought and been granted a two-week extension to complete its investigations.

The 10-member independent committee, which was originally due to submit its report on Wednesday, October 7, said it needed more time to review a large volume of evidence and obtain outstanding forensic and pathology reports crucial to determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The chairman of the committee and retired deputy director general of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, revealed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the progress of the investigation.

Kure said the committee had made “appreciable progress” since its inauguration, but could not responsibly conclude its assignment within the initial timeframe.

The extension, he said, was approved by the federal government.

The committee’s investigations took place in Minna, Niger State, where they inspected the facility where the alleged miners were detained.

It also conducted autopsies, interviewed NSCDC personnel, survivors, relatives of the deceased and other witnesses, gathering documentary and forensic evidence related to the deaths.

However, the panel chair revealed that preliminary findings had raised concerns about institutional weaknesses and what he described as overzealousness on the part of some officials.

According to Kure, the preliminary findings also highlighted the need for greater professionalism in the handling of sensitive cases involving prisoners.

The disclosure is expected to increase public interest in the final report, particularly the circumstances that led to the deaths of the 37 detainees while in custody of a government security agency.

Kure, however, cautioned that preliminary observations should not be treated as the commission’s final verdict.

He explained that the committee was still examining a substantial volume of testimony and documentary evidence and awaiting forensic and pathology reports that would be key to establishing the cause of death.

He added that the committee must also give every person involved in the matter, including NSCDC officers who had already been suspended, an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.

The President said this is necessary to ensure that the final findings and recommendations can withstand scrutiny and win public trust.

“We have made appreciable progress, but there are still important aspects of the investigation that require careful attention before we can submit our report,” Kure said.

He assured Nigerians that the committee will conduct the investigation thoroughly and independently, stressing that its final report will be based on the evidence gathered during the exercise.

The deaths of the alleged miners raised concerns about detention conditions, the conduct of security personnel and the protection of the rights of detainees in government custody.

The commission’s decision to request further time therefore means that Nigerians will have to wait longer for an authoritative account of what happened to the 37 men and whether any individuals or institutions should be held accountable.

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