Tinubu ordered an official investigation and prosecution into the deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation into the death of a suspected illegal miner who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps in Niger State.

The president also ordered that any government official found to have played a role in the deaths due to misconduct, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted.

Tinubu gave the directive in a statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing the incident as a serious matter that requires immediate investigation and accountability.

The President stressed that the life of every Nigerian must be protected, whatever the circumstances that led to their arrest or detention.

“If the results of the investigation show that an official contributed to the death due to his actions, abuse or negligence, then the official must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” said the President.

While reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to eradicate illegal mining and other criminal activities, Tinubu said law enforcement agencies must act within the law and respect the basic rights of suspects in their custody.

“The fact that these people are suspected of illegal mining does not diminish their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

“The government will not tolerate mass deaths caused by official negligence, dereliction of duty, or failure of public officials to protect the lives under their care,” he said.

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The President directed investigators to investigate the entire series of events surrounding the incident.

Among other things, this investigation is expected to find out how the suspects were arrested, their physical condition in the place of detention, the conditions in which they were held, the number of detainees in the facility, the medical care available to them and what happened before their deaths.

Tinubu also emphasized that administrative sanctions against officers will not prevent criminal proceedings if evidence shows wrongdoing.

“The temporary suspension of an officer is only an administrative measure and should not substitute for establishing criminal responsibility if the evidence warrants prosecution,” Tinubu said.

He instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NSCDC leadership to provide full cooperation to the investigators.

The President further directed that no official should obstruct the investigation or interfere with efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

The deaths follow the arrest of suspected illegal miners during law enforcement operations around the Wushishi/Lukoto axis in Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, later revealed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died while in NSCDC custody.

A forensic examination, medical examination and autopsy were ordered as part of efforts to determine the exact cause of death.

The NSCDC also established an investigative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, conditions at the facility and the medical care they received.

Following the incident, the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commander, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a thorough investigation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also said the Federal Government would not protect anyone found responsible, while urging the public not to jump to conclusions before the investigation is complete.