RULAAC Demands Prosecution Of NSCDC Officers Over Deaths Of 33 Detainees, Including 14 Minors In Overcrowded Cell | Sahara Reporters

RULAAC stated that suspected involvement in illegal mining does not extinguish the right to life, dignity or humane treatment, stressing that arrest places a person under the protection and responsibility of the state.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has demanded the prosecution of officers responsible for the deaths of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The rights group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the Federal Government’s investigation confirmed that 14 of the deceased were children and identified severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and officers’ failure to respond to repeated distress calls as factors responsible for the deaths

According to RULAAC, the committee chairman’s reported account indicated that approximately 50 male detainees were confined in a cell measuring just 12 square metres.

“The detainees cried for help and water as conditions deteriorated, but assistance did not come,” the group said, adding that “no person should die because the state locked a cell door and ignored pleas for survival.”

RULAAC stated that suspected involvement in illegal mining does not extinguish the right to life, dignity or humane treatment, stressing that arrest places a person under the protection and responsibility of the state.

The group extended its condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity to survivors, noting that the deaths of children in the circumstances made the failure of protection “especially devastating.”

While acknowledging the investigation and the Minister of Interior’s commitment to accountability, RULAAC insisted that the measure of government’s response must now be prosecutions where supported by evidence, effective remedies and demonstrable changes in custodial practice.

The group called on the Federal Government to publish the investigation report, with narrowly justified redactions to protect children, survivors and witnesses, and to identify the institutions responsible for implementing each recommendation and issue regular public progress reports.

RULAAC also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure prompt, independent criminal investigation and prosecution wherever the evidence warrants, with scrutiny covering those who authorised and supervised the operation, controlled detention conditions, issued instructions affecting emergency access or failed to act on known danger.

“Disciplinary proceedings must respect fair hearing and accompany criminal accountability where appropriate. Suspension, dismissal or transfer cannot substitute for prosecution,” it said

The group further demanded a separate investigation into reports that the cell was washed, disinfected and renumbered in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, adding that custody registers, duty rosters, operational instructions, communications, medical records, photographs and burial documentation must be secured.

It also called for the protection of survivors, families and officers who provide evidence against intimidation.

RULAAC demanded that government promptly announce its decisions on the committee’s recommendation of ₦1.4 billion in compensation, educational support for dependants, medical and psychological assistance, and a formal government apology, and establish an accessible process for delivering remedies.

“Compensation must not require families to surrender their right to pursue justice. Survivors need continuing physical and psychological care; bereaved households need practical support, including assistance for children who have lost caregivers,” the group said

It urged the National Human Rights Commission, working with relevant oversight institutions, to urgently inspect facilities operated by the NSCDC and other agencies exercising custodial powers, adding that unsafe cells should cease receiving detainees until deficiencies are corrected.

RULAAC also called for enforceable safeguards, including verified occupancy limits, regular welfare checks, emergency medical procedures and clear duties requiring immediate action when detainees show distress.

“Officers must have explicit authority and responsibility to initiate rescue without waiting indefinitely for an unavailable superior,” it said.

The group stressed that children require age verification, safeguarding and appropriate alternatives to detention, and that mass arrests must never proceed without lawful grounds, adequate planning and arrangements that protect everyone taken into custody.

It urged the National Assembly to scrutinise implementation and require public reporting on custodial deaths and corrective action.

“The state must explain every death in its custody. Families deserve truth, survivors deserve care, and those responsible must answer through due process. These 33 lives must not become another investigation report without consequences,” RULAAC said.