Miners’ deaths: NBA seeks tough measures against abuse in custody

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded tough measures against what it described as “avoidable deaths” in detention facilities across the country, saying no operative of any government agencies should subject any Nigerians to torture.

This is just as the lawyers’ professional body maintained that no democracy can survive on elections alone without strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, accountability, transparency, independent oversight as well as an informed and engaged citizenry.

The Chairperson, NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Uju Agomoh, made this call in Abuja at a press briefing to herald the forthcoming annual conference of the NBA-SPIDEL themed: “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development”, on Wednesday.

Daily Trust recalls that no fewer than 37 miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

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Speaking on the incident, the umbrella body for lawyers in the country harped on the need to ensure that detention facilities operate in accordance with Nigerian law and internationally recognised human rights standards.

Dr. Agomoh stated that it was expedient for lawyers to organise the conference at this time in order to examine some of the most pressing issues affecting justice, democracy and development in Nigeria.

She revealed that international voices from the judiciary, legal profession, government, civil society, academia, development institutions, security and justice sectors would be in attendance at the conference billed to hold in Abia next month.

“We will explore practical strategies for strengthening legal aid, promoting alternative and non-custodial measures, improving detention oversight and ensuring that the justice system remains responsive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

“In particular, NBA-SPIDEL will continue to draw attention to the urgent need to prevent avoidable deaths and abuses in places of detention and to ensure that detention facilities operate in accordance with Nigerian law and internationally recognised human rights standards,” she said.

She also disclosed that the conference would provide an opportunity to examine the role of lawyers in strengthening democratic institutions and defending constitutional governance.

“We will also address corruption and illicit financial flows, including the financing of terrorism, and consider how legal and institutional mechanisms can be strengthened to protect public resources and national security without compromising human rights and due process.

“Economic growth that leaves significant sections of society behind cannot constitute sustainable development. The rule of law, responsible governance, effective institutions and access to justice are essential foundations for national development,” she said.

Agomoh, who observed that meaningful reform cannot be achieved by lawyers alone, sought the partnership of judges, government institutions, justice-sector agencies, civil society organisations, academia, development partners, the media and citizens.