The Federal Government has received the report of the Independent Investigative Committee set up to probe the deaths of detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The report was presented in Abuja to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Jonathan Kure (Rtd.), former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Committee confirmed that 33 persons, including 14 minors, died in detention, while 41 others survived. It attributed the deaths to overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and failure of officers on duty to respond to distress calls. The report also indicted the Command for unlawful detention practices and serious supervisory lapses.
Describing the incident as tragic, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that no officer found culpable would be shielded, irrespective of rank or status. He disclosed that the report would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for further judicial action.
The Committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of all officers found responsible, payment of N1.4 billion compensation to families of the deceased, educational support for their dependants, as well as medical and psychological assistance for survivors and a formal apology from government.
The Minister said the Federal Government would critically review the recommendations and take decisive steps to strengthen detention facilities, improve oversight, enhance personnel training and enforce accountability within the NSCDC to prevent a recurrence.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to justice and human rights, stressing that every Nigerian life matters and that the government would not abandon the victims’ families.
