CDHR Demands Judicial Panel, Prosecution Of Culprits Behind Deaths Of Suspects In NSCDC Detention | Sahara Reporters

The human rights organisation described the incident as a grave human rights concern and called on the Federal Government to immediately constitute a judicial panel of inquiry to establish how the detainees died and determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, demanding an independent judicial panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The human rights organisation described the incident as a grave human rights concern and called on the Federal Government to immediately constitute a judicial panel of inquiry to establish how the detainees died and determine whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe, the CDHR said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required an urgent, transparent and independent investigation.

The organisation stressed that the suspected offences of the deceased could not justify any violation of their fundamental rights while in government custody.

“Whatever offence the deceased persons were suspected of committing, no citizen should lose the right to life or humane treatment while in state custody,” the CDHR said.

The group consequently demanded that the proposed judicial panel investigate not only the immediate cause of death but also the broader circumstances surrounding the detention of the victims.

According to the CDHR, the panel should “establish the circumstances and actual causes of the deaths, examine the conditions of detention, identify those responsible, and make its findings public.”

The organisation also called for the preservation of evidence that could assist investigators in determining what happened inside the NSCDC facility.

It specifically demanded that all relevant records, including CCTV footage, medical reports, detention registers and other evidence connected to the incident, be preserved.

The CDHR further called for the protection of witnesses and relatives of the deceased against possible intimidation during the investigation.

The organisation’s demand comes amid heightened public concern over the deaths of the detainees, who were arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal mining activities.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths have generated questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained and the medical attention available to them while in custody.

While authorities have announced investigations into the incident, the CDHR argued that an independent judicial panel was necessary to guarantee public confidence in the process.

The organisation also called for criminal proceedings where evidence establishes responsibility for the deaths.

“CDHR also demands the immediate investigation and, where evidence establishes reasonable suspicion of criminal responsibility, arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in, responsible for, or who facilitated the deaths, irrespective of their rank or position,” the statement said.

The human rights body warned against allowing the government’s campaign against illegal mining to overshadow the constitutional rights of suspects in detention.

“The fight against illegal mining must not become a justification for violating fundamental human rights,” the CDHR said.
“Every person in government custody is entitled to life, dignity and due process.”
The organisation maintained that the investigation should go beyond establishing the medical cause of death and examine whether the detainees’ rights were respected from the point of arrest through their detention.
It also called for appropriate remedies for the victims and justice for their families.

The CDHR extended its condolences to the relatives of the deceased, saying the families deserved clear answers about what happened to their loved ones.

The organisation concluded its statement with a three-part demand for the authorities to ensure accountability over the incident.
“We demand truth. We demand accountability. We demand justice,” the CDHR said.