Federal Government Forms 10-Man Panel to Investigate 37 NSCDC Custody Deaths

An independent, 10-member committee has been set up by the Federal Government to probe the fatalities of 37 individuals held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. These detainees were reportedly held on suspicion of illegal mining activities.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed the committee's formation on Saturday, acting on President Bola Tinubu's instruction for a thorough inquiry into the matter. The 37 persons tragically passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while under the care of the NSCDC Niger State Command. The exact reason for their deaths remains undetermined, prompting official investigations to ascertain the full circumstances.

According to a statement issued by Minister Tunji-Ojo, the government has tasked the panel with several key objectives. These include confirming the identities of those who died, scrutinizing their initial arrests, their period of detention, and ultimately, the direct cause and surrounding events of their demise. Furthermore, the committee is mandated to pinpoint any responsibility, complicity, negligence, or misconduct, and to propose suitable actions, potential compensation for victims where relevant, and strategies to avert similar future occurrences. The minister warned sternly, stating, “Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.”

Leading this investigative body is Jonathan Kure, a former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), who previously served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will function as the committee's secretary. The full roster of members comprises retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a distinguished Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a delegate from the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative nominated by the Niger State Government. Other notable individuals on the committee are Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, the National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; prominent legal practitioner and human rights advocate Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino from Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a well-known public affairs analyst.

The official statement further outlines the committee's operational scope, permitting it to enlist specialist experts, gain access to necessary facilities and documents, conduct site visits to pertinent locations, and solicit public submissions. The panel has been given a two-week timeframe to finalize its investigation and present its findings to the Minister. In closing, the Minister extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and urged for peace and patience throughout the ongoing inquiry.