Tinubu Orders Prosecution Of Officials Linked To Miners’ De@ths In NSCDC Custody

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

According to Ireporter Online, the President directed that any officials found culpable following the investigation should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian’s life is important and that no citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

The President said that where investigations establish that any official contributed to the deaths through misconduct, abuse or negligence, such an officer must face legal consequences.

He maintained that while the Federal Government would continue its efforts to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must comply with the law and respect the rights of individuals in custody.

Tinubu further stressed that the status of the detainees as suspected illegal miners did not remove their fundamental rights to life, dignity and humane treatment.

He warned that the government would not tolerate deaths resulting from alleged official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.

The President directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that preceded their deaths.

Tinubu also clarified that the suspension of officers involved in the matter would only constitute an administrative measure and should not prevent investigators from determining whether criminal responsibility exists.

He therefore directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no official interferes with the investigation or obstructs efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.