The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers responsible for arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17 have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, with former Nigerian Law School Director-General Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) as Secretary, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths. Its mandate includes determining the causes and timing of the deaths and examining allegations of torture, inhumane treatment or denial of medical care.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee has full authority to access facilities and documents, conduct forensic examinations and invite public memoranda. He said an interim report is expected within two weeks and warned that anyone found attempting to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will face consequences.
Daily Times
