Bago inaugurates 9-member judicial commission to probe deaths of 37 in NSCDC custody

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has inaugurated a nine-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.

Bago inaugurated the commission on Tuesday in Minna, charging members to be diligent, impartial and thorough in discharging their responsibilities.

It was reported that the commission is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and legality of the custody of the deceased, as well as their condition and treatment while in custody.

Other terms of reference include investigating the circumstances and causes of the deaths, responsibility and accountability of officers involved, medical and forensic evidence, as well as making general findings and appropriate recommendations.

Bago said the commission was established by law to get to the root of the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

He said the commission had four weeks to complete its assignment, expressing optimism that members would justify the confidence reposed in them and carry out their responsibilities diligently.

The governor urged the members to conduct the inquiry objectively and in accordance with the law, noting that their findings would assist the government in taking appropriate steps.

Also speaking, Mr Nasiru Mu’azu, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said the governor was empowered by law to establish the commission of inquiry.

Mu’azu said the commission was inaugurated at a time of considerable public concern and stressed that its establishment was not intended to prejudice anyone.

“It has been set up to look into the facts, evidence and circumstances surrounding the death of the 37 persons.

“The fact that they are alleged to be illegal miners does not in any way diminish their fundamental rights or the obligation of the state to protect their lives,” he said.

The commission is chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Niger State High Court of Justice.

Other members are: Mr Mohammed Ndamiso, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch; Dr Joseph Kolo, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service; and Mrs Hafsat Abdullahi, Chief Magistrate.

Others are Prof. Danladi Yunusa-Hakimi, Mr Abubakar Musa, Mr Habila Daniel, Mrs Nana-Hauwa Isah, and Mr Babangida Sani-Muji.

The commission is expected to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and make recommendations based on its findings.

The development comes amid separate investigations into the deaths by relevant authorities, following the reported deaths of 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in Niger.