The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement by its President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, the NBA said the deceased were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining but were entitled to the protection of the law and preservation of their lives while in custody.
The association welcomed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other steps announced by the Federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a full investigation and accountability where wrongdoing is established.
NBA said investigators must determine how the 37 detainees died, the conditions under which they were held, the medical attention available to them and whether reports that some detainees cried for help were adequately responded to.
It also expressed concern over reports that children were among those detained and deceased, stressing that their identities and ages must be established and that any safeguards required for children in conflict with the law must be examined.
The association said it has constituted a team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jonathan Gunu Taidi to engage the families, survivors and authorities and independently monitor the investigations. It urged calm, while insisting that those found responsible must face the law.
