The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other stakeholders against any attempt to cover up circumstances surrounding the deaths of persons detained in Niger State.
Ojo gave the warning on Tuesday while inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee set up by the Federal Government to investigate the deaths and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to fully cooperate with the committee, stressing that all records and material evidence connected with the incident must be preserved and made available to the investigators.
The minister said any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would attract serious consequences.
“Any attempt by anybody to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation, and it will not be tolerated,” Ojo warned.
“If it ever happens, I give you my word: the full hammer of the law will descend on such an individual.”
The minister said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, adding that no officer, regardless of position, would be shielded if found culpable.
He said the committee was expected to identify the deceased persons and ascertain the immediate and remote causes of their deaths, including the time and place of death.
The committee is also to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the deceased persons by the NSCDC in Niger State and examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility.
Ojo said the investigators would examine the duration of detention and determine whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were complied with.
The committee is further mandated to establish whether the detainees were tortured, subjected to inhumane treatment or denied medical care during their detention.
It will also investigate possible negligence or professional misconduct by any officer involved and review the NSCDC’s operational mandate and rules of engagement in illegal mining enforcement.
The minister said the committee would interview officers, other detainees, families of the deceased, witnesses, medical personnel and other persons with relevant information.
It is also expected to examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records and other physical and documentary evidence before recommending appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action against anyone found culpable.
Ojo said the committee would also recommend compensation or other remedial measures for the families of the deceased where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
He said the Federal Government had a duty to ensure that Nigerians were protected, stressing that no life should be lost unjustifiably anywhere in the country.
“Every life, no matter how big, no matter how small, is equal when it comes to the law,” the minister said.
He added: “Protection of human rights is something Mr President takes very seriously.”
Ojo said the composition of the committee was deliberately broad to ensure independence, credibility and professionalism, with representatives drawn from security, legal, medical, mining, human rights, media and the Niger State Government.
He urged the committee members to remain guided by the truth throughout the investigation.
“As I told the chairman and secretary before this meeting, this committee is answerable to only the truth,” he said.
The minister further charged the committee to exercise its authority without hindrance, including visiting relevant facilities and locations, engaging experts, conducting forensic examinations and interviewing members of the public.
He said the investigation followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the incident.
Ojo said the government owed Nigerians the truth about what happened, adding that the investigation must ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.
“We owe you the truth. This committee will give you the truth,” he said.
