A federal investigative panel has revealed that 33 individuals, including 14 minors, died from environmental asphyxia while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. The report was formally presented in Abuja to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, by the committee chairman, Jonathan Kure. 

Key Findings of the Investigation

• Cause of Death: Medical and forensic examinations confirmed that the victims suffered from asphyxiation brought on by severe overcrowding, extreme heat stress, dehydration, and poor ventilation. The panel dismissed initial claims that a disease outbreak caused the fatalities.

• Detention Conditions: Approximately 50 male detainees were crammed into a 20-square-metre cell lacking running water, lighting, functional toilets, or adequate airflow. Adults and minors were detained together in violation of constitutional safeguards, the Child Rights Act, and international standards.

• Ignored Distress: Detainees banged on doors and pleaded for water throughout the night. Responsible officers failed to intervene, open the cell, or provide emergency assistance while conditions deteriorated between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

• Unauthorized Operations: The NSCDC personnel conducted the initial raids without an approved operational plan, proper preparation, or notification to the national headquarters or relevant mining authorities.

• Evidence Tampering: The panel noted that the detention area was cleaned, disinfected, and altered before independent forensic investigators could arrive, and the relevant detention register went missing. However, the committee found no evidence supporting claims that an aerosol substance was sprayed into the cell.

Recommendations and Actions Taken

The committee proposed extensive accountability measures, institutional reforms, and financial compensation:

• Prosecution and Dismissal: The panel recommended the summary dismissal and criminal prosecution of the state commandant, the Head of the Investigation Unit, and other culpable officers for offenses including criminal negligence, torture, inhuman treatment, and potential murder.

• Compensation Package: A total of N1.4bn was recommended, consisting of N30m for each of the 33 bereaved families and N10m for each of the 41 survivors, alongside educational and medical support.

• Institutional Overhaul: Recommendations include standardizing detention facilities, installing CCTVs in custodial areas, enhancing human rights training, and providing better emergency medical responses within the corps.

• Government Response: Minister Tunji-Ojo assured that the recommendations would be implemented without delay. He directed the immediate suspension of officers allegedly involved in tampering with evidence and forwarded the report to the Attorney-General of the Federation for further legal action.