FG Panel Reveals Cause Of Death Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody, Cites Suffocation

By Passman Akpos

ABUJA, Nigeria — A 10-member independent committee established by the Federal Government has revealed that 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, died from asphyxiation, a condition caused by inadequate oxygen supply to the body.

Jonathan Kure, chairman of the committee, disclosed the findings on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

The finding marks a significant development in the investigation into the deaths, which prompted the Federal Government to order a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Asphyxiation occurs when the body does not receive sufficient oxygen to sustain normal functioning. Depending on its severity, the condition can cause unconsciousness, organ damage and death.

Tinubu Orders Transparent Investigation

The Federal Government constituted the 10-member committee on September 19, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a “full and transparent” investigation into the deaths.

The Minister of Interior subsequently announced the investigation and disclosed the suspension of 21 officers in connection with the incident.

The suspensions were intended to facilitate the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detained suspects.

How The Incident Happened

According to an earlier statement by the NSCDC, the suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Suberu Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, had said that several detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what was initially described as a suspected disease outbreak.

The incident triggered public concern and calls for accountability, prompting the Federal Government to suspend the state commandant and order a full investigation.

However, the committee’s subsequent findings identified asphyxiation as the cause of death.

Panel Conducted Autopsies, Inspected Custody Facility

Presenting the report, Kure explained that the committee travelled to Minna to investigate the incident firsthand.

The panel inspected the facility where the suspects were detained, conducted autopsies, obtained statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, relatives of the deceased and other witnesses, and gathered documentary and forensic evidence.

The investigation was intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify possible failures in the handling and detention of the suspects.

Kure said preliminary findings pointed to institutional gaps and overzealousness on the part of some officers, stressing the need for greater professionalism in managing sensitive cases.

On October 6, the committee had requested a two-week extension to complete its work and submit its report.

Questions Of Accountability Remain

Although the committee has identified asphyxiation as the cause of death, public attention is likely to focus on the specific circumstances that led to the loss of 37 lives while the suspects were in state custody.

Key issues include the conditions under which the suspects were detained, the adequacy of ventilation and monitoring at the facility, the actions of officers responsible for their custody, and whether established detention procedures were followed.

The panel’s reference to institutional gaps and alleged overzealousness also raises questions about supervision, operational procedures and the responsibility of officers who may have failed in their duties.

The suspension of 21 officers represents an administrative step in the investigation, but suspension alone does not establish individual criminal responsibility.

Further details of the committee’s findings, including any recommendations for disciplinary action, prosecution or institutional reforms, will be important in determining the next steps.

Public Interest And The Need For Accountability

The deaths of 37 people in custody raise serious questions about the protection of detainees and the responsibility of security agencies to safeguard lives.

While the deceased were suspected of illegal mining, their status as suspects did not remove their right to life and humane treatment while in detention.

The Federal Government’s next steps, including the implementation of the panel’s recommendations and any appropriate legal action, will be closely watched by Nigerians seeking accountability and assurances that similar incidents will not recur.

Tarakirivoice will continue to monitor developments surrounding the investigation, the government’s response and any measures taken to establish accountability for the deaths.