Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State will face legal consequences.
Tunji-Ojo gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating a 10-member independent committee set up to investigate the deaths of the detainees who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The 37 people reportedly died after they were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation. The Federal Government has directed the committee to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct.
The minister also directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to fully cooperate with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence are preserved and made available to the committee.
Tunji-Ojo said the government would not shield anyone found culpable, regardless of their position.
He further assured Nigerians and the families of the deceased that the investigation would be transparent, stressing that the committee’s findings would not be ignored.
The independent committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The Federal Government had earlier suspended NSCDC officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established, making the ongoing investigation important in determining what happened to the detainees and whether any officials or other individuals should be held responsible.
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