10-man committee given two weeks to uncover immediate and remote causes of detainees’ deaths in Niger State
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 persons suspected of illegal mining activities while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said the government was committed to ensuring justice for the deceased and their families.
Tunji-Ojo said the investigation would uncover the immediate and remote causes of the deaths and provide clarity on what transpired while the victims were in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation is ongoing.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.
The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report to the government.
Tunji-Ojo thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the investigation and directing the constitution of the committee, saying the move was necessary to establish the facts and ensure justice for the victims.
The 37 detainees died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command.
The circumstances and cause of the deaths have not been established, with the Federal Government relying on the independent investigation to determine what led to the incident and whether any wrongdoing occurred.