By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has pledged to pursue justice over the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the report of the independent investigative committee set up to probe the incident.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, confirmed 33 deaths and identified 41 survivors.
It attributed the deaths to overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and failure by officers to respond to repeated distress calls from detainees.
The report also identified unlawful detention practices, inadequate supervision and other operational lapses that contributed to the incident.
Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as tragic and unacceptable, insisting that any officer found responsible would face appropriate sanctions regardless of rank or position.
He said the government would not tolerate attempts to conceal or destroy evidence, adding that officers implicated in such acts should be suspended immediately pending further investigation.
According to the minister, the report will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action, while the Ministry of Interior will review the recommendations for implementation.
The committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of culpable officers, where appropriate, alongside ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of the deceased.
It also proposed educational assistance for the dependants of the victims, medical and psychological support for survivors and affected families, and a formal government apology.
Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government would study the recommendations before announcing its decisions.
He disclosed that the government was committed to comprehensive reforms in the NSCDC, including improved detention facilities, enhanced staff training, stronger supervision and stricter accountability mechanisms.
The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s position that every Nigerian life must be valued equally, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
He commended the investigative committee for its work and assured the families of the deceased that the government would not abandon them.