Group Calls For Further Investigation Into Deaths Of 33 Miners In Niger

The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has raised concerns over the investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, calling on the Minister of Interior to address questions surrounding the investigative panel’s proceedings and findings.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Patrick Onomuodeke, made the call at a press conference, where he stressed the need for a transparent, impartial and credible investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility.

Onomuodeke said the credibility of the investigation depended on the thoroughness and fairness of the process, insisting that all material concerns must be addressed in the interest of justice and public confidence.

“The credibility of the report depends on the thoroughness, impartiality and fairness of the investigative process,” he said.

CPTA expressed concerns over the reported participation of Deji Adeyanju, a member of the investigative committee, alleging that he attended physical meetings for approximately one week before participating virtually via Zoom while reportedly outside the country.

The organisation called for clarification of his attendance record, access to evidence and level of participation in the committee’s deliberations.

It, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about possible external influence without credible evidence, stressing the importance of ensuring that all committee members acted independently and objectively.

The group also questioned reports that the Niger State NSCDC Commandant acknowledged that clearance had not been obtained from either the Zonal Commandant or the corps’ national headquarters before the operation was onducted.

According to CPTA, the issue raises questions about operational authorisation, compliance with established procedures and the responsibility of officers involved.

It called for clarification on whether the Zonal Commandant was invited to provide evidence or questioned about the operation, maintaining that accountability should extend to every relevant level of command where evidence establishes responsibility.

The organisation also urged the authorities to clarify reports concerning alleged disagreements over the scope of the committee’s mandate.

Furthermore, CPTA expressed concern over media reports quoting Adeyanju as alleging that the detention cell where the suspects died had been washed, disinfected and renumbered in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Onomuodeke called for an investigation into the allegation to establish whether any evidence had been compromised, emphasising that the claim must be verified before any conclusions are reached.

“The deaths of 33 people in custody are too serious to be treated as a matter of institutional convenience or political expediency,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Interior to address the concerns transparently, adding that no individual or institution should be shielded from accountability, while no person should be accused of wrongdoing without sufficient evidence.

CPTA said a credible investigation was essential to securing justice for the deceased, establishing responsibility and strengthening public confidence in the NSCDC and the investigative process.