MINISTER of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State will face the full wrath of the law.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tunji-Ojo gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee set up to probe the deaths of the detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The committee was constituted following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the deaths are preserved and made available to investigators.
“All records and material evidence connected to this incident, I have directed that they must be preserved and made available. Let me sound a very strong note of warning: any attempt by anybody to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation and it will not be tolerated.
“If it ever happens, I give you my word, the full hammer of the law will descend on such an individual,” he said.
The minister said the Federal Government was committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability, regardless of the position of anyone found culpable.
“To Nigerians, I say this: we owe you the truth. This committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, or any individual will be shielded if found culpable.
“To the families who lost loved ones, I appeal for calm and patience. This government will not and will never abandon you,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo challenged members of the committee to ensure that their findings lead to appropriate action, promising that the report would not be ignored.
“I challenge you: let your antecedent speak when the report is submitted, and I assure you of one thing: this report will not be swept under the carpet.
“We will call a meeting like this; we will present the report, and whoever needs to be prosecuted will be prosecuted, and whoever needs to be dealt with in line with the law will be dealt with,” he said.
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring justice and protecting Nigerians, regardless of the individuals involved.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It is also expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The deaths occurred on September 17, after the suspects were arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while the actual cause remains subject to investigation.
The incident has generated public outrage, with survivors alleging that detainees were held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell and that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside. Those claims remain part of the issues being investigated. Recent accounts from survivors have also raised allegations concerning detention conditions, but the government’s independent panel is expected to establish the facts.
The Federal Government has suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation. The NSCDC later said 24 personnel were in custody as part of its preliminary investigation.
NSCDC, on Sunday, paraded its State Commandant and other officers linked to the deaths of the miners.
The officers were paraded at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, on Sunday, as the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, briefed journalists on the preliminary findings into the incident.