Tunji-Ojo orders transparent probe into death of 33 illegal miners

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered full-scale investigation into the deaths of 33 illegal miners in Niger State who allegedly died while in the custody of the NSCDC.

This ​‌‌‍​‍⁠⁠‌⁠​‍‌‍‍‍⁠‌​is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Babawale Afolabi, made available on Friday in Abuja.

It was reported that the directive followed the deaths of the suspects arrested during enforcement operations at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on Sept. 15 and 16.

According to Afolabi, Tunji-Ojo ordered the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, to activate a transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

He said that in compliance, Audi had ordered the Niger Commandant of the corps and his heads of departments to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters (HQ) in Abuja.

“The CG has directed the state commandant to report forthwith to HQ alongside his heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to face the constituted panel of inquiry,” he said.

“He has also directed that a new commandant proceeds to Niger to assume office pending the outcome of the investigation,” he said.

He further quoted the CG as assuring the minister that no stone would be left unturned and that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

Audi also assured that the corps remained committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.