Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, to facilitate a swift investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Falana called on the Attorney-General to direct the appropriate authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and prosecute any NSCDC officials or other individuals indicted by the investigation.
His demand followed the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, after dozens of people arrested during operations at suspected illegal mining locations were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident and suspended officers connected to the matter pending the conclusion of the probe.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, confirmed that 37 detainees had died and said forensic and medical investigations, including autopsies, were underway to determine the cause of the deaths.
The incident has sparked protests in Minna, with reports suggesting that some of those detained were teenagers. Accounts from survivors and relatives have also alleged overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention centre, although authorities have yet to establish the definitive cause of the deaths.
Falana said, “The Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu Esq. should ensure a speedy investigation by the State Police Command and immediate prosecution of all indicted suspects by the State Ministry of Justice.”
He noted that the NSCDC had disclosed that more than 50 individuals were arrested over allegations of illegal mining, with the process of profiling and documentation still underway.
The senior lawyer said the deaths highlighted persistent concerns about the conditions under which suspects are held in detention facilities across Nigeria, stressing that the Niger incident should be viewed within the broader context of such concerns.
Falana referred to a 1980 incident in which about 50 criminal suspects reportedly died after being locked inside a police vehicle, commonly called a “Black Maria,” at the Tinubu Magistrate Court premises in Lagos.
He maintained that despite similar incidents over the years, overcrowding and inadequate detention conditions have continued to place suspects at significant risk.
“The best way to honour the 37 suspects that were suffocated to death last week is to ensure that detention centres in the country meet the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules,” he said.
The United Nations Mandela Rules establish minimum requirements for the treatment of prisoners, covering areas such as accommodation, sanitation, ventilation, healthcare and humane treatment of individuals deprived of their liberty.
Falana further connected the Niger deaths to wider concerns over the detention of suspects, particularly individuals arrested for minor or alleged offences who may remain in custody before trial.
He called on the authorities to ensure that the investigation identifies specific individuals who may bear responsibility, rather than allowing the matter to conclude solely with administrative disciplinary measures.
The Federal Government has pledged that the investigation into the deaths will be comprehensive, transparent and free from interference. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also said the government owed the families of the victims and Nigerians an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Falana also appealed to the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, to prosecute individuals allegedly responsible for a mass poisoning incident that has reportedly claimed 48 lives in the state.
According to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17 following the reported consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal concoctions in parts of Ondo State.
NAFDAC reported that five victims had suffered complete blindness, while two others experienced partial loss of vision. Preliminary laboratory tests also found high levels of methanol in samples of the suspected beverages.
The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu reportedly recorded the highest number of cases, while additional cases were also identified in Irele Local Government Area.
The agency said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of the suspected poisonous drinks, while investigations and surveillance operations remained ongoing.
Falana urged Ajulo to assume responsibility for the case and pursue the prosecution of anyone found to have contributed to the deaths.
He said the incidents in Niger and Ondo demonstrated the importance of ensuring accountability whenever investigations establish criminal responsibility, stressing that cases involving multiple deaths should not end without appropriate prosecution.
