The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other top security officials in Nigeria to conduct an indepth and independent investigation into the alleged deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
CD also called for the immediate suspension of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof Audi.
In a statement entitled, “NIGER MINERS’ DEATHS: CAMPAIGN FOR DEMOCRACY DEMANDS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION,” and
signed by its National President, Reverend Ifeanyi Odili, the civil society group expressed grave concern over allegations that the victims died under suspicious circumstances while detained by the NSCDC in a cramped cell.
The CD also highlighted troubling claims from a survivor who alleged that the operators were working at a mining site owned by former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), reportedly acting on his instructions.
The group warned that the teenage miners’ deaths might be an attempt to cover up illicit mining operations and shield high-profile sponsors.
Demanding for accountability and to ensure a transparent process, the CD is urging the Federal Government to take immediate actions, including establishing an independent panel to investigate the exact cause of the miners’ custody deaths and look into potential cover-ups or obstruction of justice, as well as suspending the Commandant-General of the NSCDC immediately to prevent any internal interference with the ongoing inquiry.
The CD emphasised that all Nigerians are entitled to due process and constitutional protections, stating that a thorough probe is vital to ensure justice is served if wrongdoing is established.
The human rights organisation’s statement partly read, “It is deeply disturbing that about thirty seven suspected illegal miners were reportedly arrested and detained in NSCDC cells and subsequently died in custody under circumstances that have been described as suspicious. These allegations are grave and require a transparent, credible, and independent investigation to establish the facts and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“If established, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspected miners would raise serious concerns about the protection of their fundamental rights, including the right to life and the right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
“We are particularly concerned about the possibility that the deaths may be connected to efforts to conceal information relating to illegal mining activities and their alleged sponsors. However, these claims must be subjected to a thorough and impartial investigation, and those found responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
