TIB, Lawyer Demand Independent Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody In Niger State | Sahara Reporters

Audu, in a statement issued in Minna and made available to newsmen, condemned the deaths, describing the incident as “barbaric, inhuman, tragic, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.”

The Coordinator of the TIB in Niger State, Comrade Mohammed Audu, and a human rights activist and lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani, have demanded an independent investigation into the reported deaths of at least 37 suspected artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

The miners were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, over allegations of illegal mining.

Audu, in a statement issued in Minna and made available to newsmen, condemned the deaths, describing the incident as “barbaric, inhuman, tragic, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.”

He said he visited the General Hospital in Minna, where the bodies of the deceased were reportedly deposited, and expressed shock over the number of deaths.

“It is unthinkable that over thirty-seven citizens could die while in the custody of a security agency constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property,” Audu said.

He called for an “immediate, independent, and transparent investigation” and said the NSCDC leadership at both state and national levels must provide answers over the deaths.

Audu also demanded that officers involved in the arrest, detention and alleged torture of the miners be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the mining community in Niger State, praying for the souls of the victims and strength for their relatives.

Dantani, in a separate statement, also called for an independent investigation, accountability and the suspension of the NSCDC Commandant-General pending the outcome of the probe.

He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths were “deeply disturbing” and required an investigation capable of establishing individual and institutional responsibility.

According to him, although the NSCDC has constituted an internal investigative committee, allowing the agency to exclusively investigate deaths allegedly connected to its personnel raises questions about independence and public confidence.

“An institution should not be allowed to investigate itself exclusively where its personnel may themselves be subjects of the investigation,” Dantani said.

He called on the Federal Government to constitute an independent investigative panel involving the Nigeria Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, independent forensic and medical experts, relevant justice authorities and representatives of the victims’ families.

Dantani said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of each victim, the exact cause and manner of the deaths, the condition of the detention facilities, whether detainees were subjected to torture or excessive force, and whether adequate medical attention was provided.

He also called for an investigation into the identities and roles of all officers involved, allegations of extortion, possible attempts to conceal or manipulate evidence, and whether criminal, disciplinary or command responsibility arose.

Dantani stressed that his call for the suspension of the NSCDC Commandant-General was not an allegation that the officer personally caused the deaths.

He said the suspension should instead serve as an administrative measure to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent any reasonable perception of interference or conflict of interest.

He further urged investigators to examine command responsibility, including whether superior officers knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about any unlawful treatment, dangerous detention conditions, torture, extortion, neglect or other misconduct and failed to prevent it.

“If the evidence establishes murder, unlawful killing, torture, assault, criminal negligence, extortion, intimidation, obstruction of justice, or any other offense, the perpetrators and all persons found legally responsible must be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law, irrespective of their rank, position, or uniform,” he said.

Dantani also emphasised that the allegations of illegal mining against the detainees could not remove their fundamental rights.

“A person arrested for suspected illegal mining does not stop being human. A suspect is not a convict,” he said.

“No allegation of illegal mining can justify torture, degrading treatment, unlawful deprivation of life, or any other violation of fundamental rights.”

He added: “The government cannot enforce the law by permitting violations of the law.”

Dantani said the deaths should not be treated solely as an internal administrative matter, stressing that the families of the victims deserved answers and the public deserved transparency.

“Thirty-seven lives demand more than condolences. They demand truth, justice, and accountability,” he said.

His demand comes amid growing calls for an independent investigation into the reported deaths of the suspected miners in NSCDC custody.