...As IHRC releases names of 37 who died in NSCDC custody
Renowned security expert, author and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has called on Nigerians to exercise restraint and allow the ongoing investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State to run its course.
Mumuni, while expressing deep condolences to the families of the deceased, said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly established and justice pursued based on facts and evidence.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, on Sunday, September 20, Mumuni described the loss of 37 lives in government custody as tragic and deeply concerning.
Mumuni commends federal response
It would be recalled that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State, following their arrest during anti illegal mining operations in the state.
The Federal Government has since constituted an independent 10-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers connected with the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mumuni commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the swift response and the Federal Government for taking steps to establish what happened.
He said the decision to constitute an investigative committee demonstrated responsible leadership and a commitment to uncovering the truth through a fair and thorough process.
“As a citizen of the country and renowned author and security luminary, I acknowledge the tragic loss of 37 lives in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
“This incident weighs heavily on my heart, and I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Niger State Government and all citizens affected by this devastating occurrence.
“However, the Minister has demonstrated responsible leadership by immediately constituting an investigative committee tasked with establishing the facts surrounding this incident. This step reflects dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability through a fair and thorough process.”
‘Allow investigation to establish facts’
The security expert appealed to Nigerians to exercise restraint and patience while the investigation continues, warning against premature conclusions or inflammatory statements.
Mumuni said while the grief surrounding the deaths was understandable, justice would be better served by allowing investigators to establish the facts before conclusions are reached.
“I will like to use this medium to appeal to all Nigerians to exercise restraint and patience during this investigation.
“While our grief is justified, premature conclusions or inflammatory statements risk deepening divisions and threatening the social harmony our nation depends upon.
“Justice is best served through systematic investigation, not hasty judgment. Let us allow the process to work and reserve our conclusions until facts are established.”
He urged the investigative committee to examine the circumstances of the arrests and detention, the condition of the facility, the number of detainees, the medical attention available to them and the events leading to the deaths.
Mumuni stressed that the investigation should establish whether any individual or institution failed in its statutory responsibilities, adding that anyone found culpable should face the appropriate consequences under the law.
‘Illegal mining must be tackled within the law’
Mumuni also noted that the government has a legitimate responsibility to tackle illegal mining and other activities that threaten national security, the environment and the wellbeing of communities.
He, however, emphasised that enforcement agencies must carry out their responsibilities within the framework of the law.
“The fight against illegal mining is necessary, particularly because of its implications for national security, the environment and the safety of communities.
However, the enforcement of our laws must itself remain within the law.
“When citizens are taken into government custody, the state assumes a responsibility for their safety and welfare.
“Where there are allegations of negligence, abuse or failure of duty, these must be thoroughly investigated and the truth established.”
He called for the findings of the investigation to be made public and for appropriate action to follow from its recommendations.
Appeal for calm and national unity
Mumuni also appealed to residents, the families of the deceased and other stakeholders to remain calm, urging Nigerians to reject actions that could lead to further loss of lives or destruction of property.
He said the tragedy should not become a catalyst for further violence, but an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s detention standards, security sector oversight and accountability mechanisms.
“To the families of the deceased, your pain is acknowledged, and the citizens stand with you. No one should be judged or condemned until the investigation is complete and evidence is presented.”
He added that accountability and national unity should remain complementary objectives.
“We must pursue both security and justice. Nigeria needs a system in which enforcement agencies are empowered to confront criminality while citizens in their custody are treated with dignity and their fundamental rights protected.”
‘May Allah grant the deceased eternal peace’
Mumuni turned to the Qur’an for consolation, reminding Nigerians of the transient nature of life and the ultimate accountability before Allah.
Quoting Surah Al Imran 3:185, he said:
“Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your wages in full.”
He prayed that Allah would grant the deceased eternal peace, strengthen their families and guide Nigeria towards justice tempered with mercy.
“May Allah grant the deceased eternal peace, grant the families strength and patience, and guide our nation toward justice tempered with mercy.”
IHRC releases names of 37 deceased
Meanwhile, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has released the names of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in NSCDC custody in Minna.
According to the IHRC’s International Peace Ambassador, Awaisu Giwa, the commission obtained the initial list from records at General Hospital, Minna.
Four additional names were later provided by relatives who approached the commission after their family members were not found on the hospital records.
The 37 names released are Ibrahim Sani, Fahad Sa’adu, Abdulsalam Ismail, Usman Aliyu, Abubakar Alhaji, Sani Nasir, Sanusi Khalid, Ahmad Aliyu, Safiyanu Abdullahi, Suleiman Dantala, Idris Haruna, Sani Yakubu, Safiyanu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar, Abubakar Musa, Abdul Mudassir, Suleiman Lawal, Usman Abdullahi, Samuel Sambo, Ibrahim Musa, Yusuf Nasiru, Umar Lawal, Isyaku Amisu, Bissallah Adamu, Abdulbari Suleiman, Shafisu Lado, Usman Ahmad, Usman Ibrahim, Sani Isyaku, Musa Ibrahim, Idris Bashir, Kabiru Suleiman, Emmanuel Emeka, Mu’awiya AbdulKarim, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, Usman Haruna and Yaro Salihu Soba.
The release of the names comes as investigations into the deaths continue.
The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers connected with the incident, while an independent committee investigates the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NHRC has also commenced a preliminary investigation and called for an independent forensic autopsy.
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