Abubakar Umar 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 persons held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, giving the panel two weeks to establish the truth surrounding the incident.

Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee on Tuesday, also vowed that no officer, regardless of his or her position, would be shielded if found culpable in the deaths, stressing that the government owed Nigerians the truth.

The minister further warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.

According to him, the 37 persons were reportedly arrested and detained on suspicion of illegal mining before their deaths in NSCDC custody on Thursday, September 17.

He said the Federal Government had directed a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, adding that he had already ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Corps and all officers who were on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.

The suspended officers, he said, would remain out of duty pending the outcome of the investigation, while the committee would establish the identities of the deceased and investigate and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

Tunji-Ojo said the committee would also establish, through appropriate medical and forensic examination, the cause and manner of the deaths, determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

He said the membership of the committee was carefully selected to guarantee independence, credibility and professionalism, with Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, serving as chairman, and Prof. Isa Chiroma, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, as secretary.

Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; and Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria.

Also on the committee are Mr. Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist; Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr. George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst.

The minister gave the committee full authority to co-opt relevant experts, access all facilities and request memoranda from members of the public, while directing the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence connected to the incident were preserved and made available.

Tunji-Ojo said, “No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stands for. This administration was elected on the promise that every Nigerian life matters, and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism and respect for human rights.” He added, “We owe you the truth. This Committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable.”

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Jonathan Kure, described the assignment as a call to national service, pledging that members would protect their integrity while carrying out the investigation. 

“this is a privilege and we do not see it as an appointment but a call to national service. Some of us have had the opportunity serve this nation for 35 years and even in retirement, we are always willing to answer this type of call on the premise that my name, my integrity will not in any way be toyed with.” Kure said

He said he had accepted the assignment after seeking an assurance from the minister that his reputation and integrity would be protected, adding that other members of the committee shared the same commitment. 

According to him, “When the Minister called me, I said Hon. Minister, on one condition – you know who I am. And he said that was precisely why he was calling me and I believe it is so with all members of this committee.”

Kure assured Nigerians that the committee would approach the investigation with open minds and would not be influenced by sentiments or media reports, promising to submit its report without compromising its integrity. 

“We shall ensure justice by going to the field with open minds. We want to give this assurance to Nigerians. We are not swayed by sentiments or media hypes that might have been given. We will come back with our report and our integrity intact. We must give hope to this country.” He said.