NHRC Investigates Deaths of 37 Suspected Miners in NSCDC Custody

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of about 37 persons suspected to be artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, condemned the deaths and expressed deep concern over the incident, which reportedly occurred following the arrest of the suspected miners during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area on September 15 and 16.

The bodies of the deceased were subsequently deposited at the General Hospital, Minna.

Ojukwu, who commiserated with the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State, said he had directed the Commission to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ascertain their cause.

He also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence, stressing that investigations ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent, thorough and conducted in line with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.

The NHRC boss emphasised that allegations of illegal mining do not deprive arrested persons of their fundamental rights.

“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full complement of their fundamental human rights in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” Ojukwu said.

He urged law enforcement agencies to treat every person in custody with dignity and in accordance with the law.

Ojukwu also appealed to youths in Minna to remain calm and refrain from violence, assuring them that the Commission would pursue accountability and ensure appropriate remedies if it establishes human rights violations.

However, Isah Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International, has stated that, from the investigation the agency conducted, the cell where the miners were held was designed to accommodate no more than 10 people, yet 67 people were detained there.

“Between Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th, Minna was experiencing extremely hot weather. These are serious human rights issues that we need to be talking about, particularly the decision to detain 67 people in a facility meant to accommodate no more than 10.”

According to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, “At a point, they were screaming and gasping for air, pleading with officers to let them out. But the officers on duty reportedly did not respond. This is some of the hearsay we received from survivors.”

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has decleared 24 hours curfew in Minna regarding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody. The curfew will become effective immediately after Juma’at prayer.