37 Miners’ Deaths: FG Inaugurates 10-Member Probe Panel, Says Justice Best Gift For Victims

The federal government has through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,  charged the newly inaugurated independent committee investigating the death of 37 miners  in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command, to uncover the truth, saying justice is the best gift the country can give the deceased.

Tunji-Ojo stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating the 10-member committee set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners , who were reportedly held on suspicion of illegal mining.

According to the minister, the committee’s investigation will go beyond establishing the identities and causes of death to determine whether the detainees were tortured, treated inhumanely or denied medical care while in custody.

The panel is also expected to investigate possible negligence or professional misconduct by officers involved in the detention of the deceased.

Tunji-Ojo said the committee would examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility, the duration of detention and whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were followed.

He said the panel would also investigate the circumstances leading to the arrest and detention of the deceased and review the NSCDC’s operational mandate and rules of engagement in enforcing laws against illegal mining.

The minister said the committee would interview officers involved in the arrests and detention, other detainees, relatives of the deceased, witnesses, medical personnel and other persons with relevant information.

He said, “It is also expected to examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records, photographs and other physical and material evidence connected with the incident.

The committee, according  to him, will determine whether individual or institutional culpability exists and recommend appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action against anyone found culpable.

“It is further expected to recommend compensation or other remedial measures for the families of the deceased where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence. He stated.

Tunji-Ojo said the government owed the families and Nigerians the truth about what happened.

“To the deceased, I say this. We might not be able to give you any other gift, but we’ll give you the only gift that is left for Nigeria to offer you. Justice. To the deceased , Justice will be done.”

The minister  also said the committee had been given a free hand to conduct the investigation, adding that it was independent of him as Minister of Interior and every other official.

He said the panel had full authority to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations, conduct forensic examinations and interview persons who could assist the investigation.

Tunji-Ojo also warned against attempts to interfere with the process, saying anyone who destroys or conceals evidence, intimidates witnesses or obstructs the investigation will face the full force of the law.

He further assured Nigerians that no officer or individual, regardless of status, would be shielded if found culpable.

“This report will not be swept under the carpet,” the minister said, adding that those who needed to be prosecuted would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.