The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded a thorough, independent, transparent and credible investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued by NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, the association described the incident as one of the utmost gravity. The deceased were among those arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and died in custody on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The NBA deliberately refrained from drawing conclusions on the cause of death pending the outcome of proper investigations, stressing the need for evidence-based findings.
It acknowledged steps already taken by authorities, including the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, the summoning of senior officers, and investigative mechanisms set up by the NSCDC, Niger State Government, Nigeria Police Force and other agencies. The association also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a full and transparent probe.
While commending the prompt response, the NBA emphasised that the true measure of accountability would rest on the independence and thoroughness of the investigations, the transparency of the findings, and the consequences that follow. Questions must be answered regarding detention conditions, facility capacity, medical attention provided, overcrowding, ventilation and reports that some detainees had called for help.
The association reiterated the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence, noting that those arrested remain suspects until tried and convicted. It expressed particular concern over reports that children may have been among the victims and called for their ages and identities to be officially established, with appropriate safeguards examined.
The NBA has constituted a team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jonathan Gunu Taidi to engage with the families of the deceased and surviving detainees, monitor the process, and help establish the facts. It urged authorities to preserve all evidence, conduct proper forensic and medical examinations, protect survivors and witnesses, and make findings public to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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