Nigeria's Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has set up a ten-member committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people, who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The victims had been arrested and detained on suspicion of illegal mining.

The deaths, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, prompted President Bola Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Tunji-Ojo also ordered the immediate suspension of all officers allegedly linked to the incident, including the Niger State NSCDC commandant. Twenty other officers were also suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

Appropriate action

The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services Jonathan Kure, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention, as well as the causes of their deaths.

The committee will also determine whether negligence, misconduct or complicity played any role in the incident and recommend appropriate action, including compensation to the victims' families. The special investigative body is further expected to propose measures to prevent a recurrence.

The panel has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the minister. It has been empowered to visit relevant locations, examine records and other evidence, and invite members of the public to make their submissions.

Tunji-Ojo warned against evidence tampering, witness intimidation, or the obstruction of investigation. Additionally, the minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the probe takes shape.