By Jane Okeke
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, said the committee was constituted to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
Dr. Tunji Ojo charged the panel to carry out its assignment independently, stressing that the investigation must be free from interference by government officials, security agencies or other interested parties.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Jonathan Kure, while former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayato Chiroma, is among its members.
Other members include retired AIG Usman Hassan, Professor Lainka Buhari, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Suleiman, lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, and Blueprint newspaper representative, Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino.
Also on the panel are public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi; retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Idris Kuta; and a representative of the Niger State Government.
According to the Minister, the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, determine when and where they died, and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.
It will also investigate the conditions under which the suspects were held, including allegations of torture, denial of medical attention, negligence and professional misconduct, as well as compliance with relevant laws and human rights standards.
The panel will examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records, photographs and other evidence, while interviewing officers, families, witnesses and medical personnel connected to the incident.
Dr. Tunji Ojo warned that anyone who tampers with evidence, intimidates witnesses or obstructs the investigation will face the law. Chairman of the panel, Jonathan Kure, said members would work with open minds and without media pressure or sentiment, with the aim of establishing the facts, delivering justice and restoring public confidence.
