Amanze Chinonye
The Foundation for Digital Justice (FDJ) has asked the Chief Coroner of Niger State to open an inquest into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
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The nonprofit human rights and legal advocacy organisation made the request in a letter dated Sept. 18 and signed by its Senior Legal Adviser, Festus Ogun, saying an independent determination was needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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The victims were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on Sept. 15 and 16. At least 33 detainees were initially reported dead after they were found at an NSCDC detention facility on Sept. 17. Niger State Governor Umaru Bago subsequently confirmed the death toll at 37.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while its national headquarters said the circumstances required medical and laboratory examinations. The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for examination.
The FDJ asked the coroner to establish the identities of the deceased, the circumstances of their arrests and detention, the conditions in which they were held and the medical and factual circumstances surrounding their deaths.
It also called for the findings to be made public and for anyone found responsible to face appropriate legal sanctions. The organisation said it was willing to assist the process and urged the coroner to act urgently under Niger State’s Coroner’s Systems Law.
Bago has ordered forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, while the state government has suspended the NSCDC commandant in Niger and constituted a committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has triggered protests in Minna, prompting authorities to impose a 24-hour curfew and declare three days of mourning.
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Separately, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, called for a prompt and independent probe.
Kwankwaso said authorities should establish how detainees held for only one or two days could have died in such numbers, particularly amid reports that some of the victims were minors. He said anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law rather than merely administrative sanctions.
He also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and others affected by the incident.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
