The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the death of 37 persons who were arrested over suspected illegal mining and later died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued by its President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, the association described the incident as a national tragedy that demands accountability, stressing that every Nigerian in government custody has a constitutional right to life and dignity.
The NBA expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Niger State and the state government, while wishing those who survived the incident a full recovery.
“Thirty-seven lives have been lost. Thirty-seven families are grieving. And whatever the circumstances that led to their arrest, these were 37 Nigerians who entered the custody of the NSCDC alive and who, while in that custody, were entitled to the protection of the law and to the preservation of their lives and human dignity,” the statement said.
The association explained that it deliberately avoided making an immediate public pronouncement on the cause of the deaths in order not to prejudge the ongoing investigations.
However, it stressed that the gravity of the incident required a credible investigation that would establish exactly what happened and ensure justice for the victims.
The NBA acknowledged the steps already taken by the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Minister of Interior.
It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering a full investigation and directing that anyone found culpable through negligence, abuse or dereliction of duty should be held accountable.
“The promptness and seriousness of these initial steps are commendable,” the NBA stated.
The association, however, said investigations must answer critical questions, including how 37 persons died in custody within a short period, the conditions under which they were detained, whether the detention facility was overcrowded, the medical attention available to detainees and the scientific cause of death.
It also urged investigators to examine reports from survivors, including allegations of overcrowding, poor ventilation and claims that some detainees cried out for help before the tragedy.
The NBA cautioned against treating allegations as established facts but insisted that every claim should be tested through credible evidence.
The association said the tragedy had exposed deeper concerns about the treatment of suspects in detention across the country.
“A suspect is not a convict, whether rich or poor, powerful or powerless. And the presumption of innocence is not an abstract phrase reserved for the courtroom. It must inform how the State treats every person from the very moment it takes away his or her liberty,” it said.
The NBA also expressed concern over reports that children were among those arrested and possibly among the deceased.
It called for investigators to determine the identity and age of every detainee and establish whether legal safeguards for children were observed.
The association further urged authorities to investigate those financing and profiting from illegal mining rather than focusing only on labourers arrested at mining sites.
According to the NBA, many of those involved in mining may themselves be victims of poverty and exploitation.
To support the search for truth, the association announced the constitution of an independent fact-finding team headed by Jonathan Gunu Taidi, SAN, a former NBA General Secretary and respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria based in Minna.
The team will meet with families of the deceased, survivors and relevant authorities while monitoring the official investigations.
“The fact that 37 Nigerians went into government custody and did not return to their families alive demands answers, and those answers must come from evidence, not conjecture; and from a process that commands public confidence, not one that merely manages public outrage,” the statement added.
The NBA pledged to monitor any criminal proceedings arising from the case and ensure justice is served while protecting the constitutional rights of every accused person.
The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna have sparked nationwide concern over detention conditions, human rights and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies. The Federal Government has suspended senior NSCDC officials linked to the incident and established an independent investigative committee. Several organisations, including the NBA, have demanded a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the deaths, establish responsibility and prevent a recurrence.
