The Independent Committee of Inquiry into the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced sittings, following its inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The committee's Secretary, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, disclosed in a statement that the body held its inaugural meeting immediately after being sworn in, adopting a work plan to guide its investigation. The committee's mandate includes visiting relevant sites, engaging with government agencies, and interviewing survivors, suspects, and individuals with knowledge of the incident.
The investigative body has outlined a comprehensive approach to uncover the full facts, including gathering documents and materials pertinent to the case. A dedicated medical team has begun analyzing the cause, mechanism, and manner of the deaths. The committee has also called on the public to support its work and has committed to accepting memoranda from interested parties, with details on submission procedures to be announced later.
Reaffirming its dedication to a transparent and evidence-based inquiry, the committee emphasized its commitment to fairness and accountability. The investigation comes amid heightened public scrutiny over the NSCDC's conduct, with the government under pressure to ensure justice for the victims and prevent similar incidents. The committee's findings are expected to have significant implications for the oversight of security agencies in Nigeria.
The formation of the committee follows the deaths of 37 miners allegedly linked to NSCDC operations, sparking calls for an independent review of the agency's practices. While the committee's work is ongoing, the case underscores broader concerns about accountability and the protection of detainees' rights in the country.