The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 people while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tunji-Ojo charged the committee to operate independently and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, stressing that justice was the best tribute the country could offer the families of the deceased.
The committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
It is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred, and recommend disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence connected to the incident were preserved and made available.
He warned that attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that no officer, regardless of rank or position, would be shielded if found culpable.
The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Alhaji Idris Kuta, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino and Dr George Agbakahi.
The committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within two weeks.
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