By Bello Wakili
The Federal Government has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the deaths as deeply disturbing, saying government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee, constituted on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrest, detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It will also determine responsibility, negligence or misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Minister has directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation, while all records and material evidence connected to the incident are to be preserved and made available to the committee.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, serves as Secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, and representatives of the Miners Association of Nigeria, civil society, the media and public affairs sector.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
Meanwhile, the Minister has ordered the suspension of twenty NSCDC officers in addition to the Niger State Commandant, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The suspended officers include those responsible for station security, arrest and investigation, legal matters and guard duties at the facility.
The Minister has warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
Editing By Godwin Duru
