By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a preliminary investigation into the death of about 37 persons suspected to be artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, who condemned the deaths, said the investigation was necessary to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspects.
The victims were arrested during enforcement operations carried out by NSCDC personnel in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Their bodies were later deposited at the General Hospital, Minna.
Ojukwu expressed concern over the development and commiserated with the families of the deceased as well as the people of Niger State.
In a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the NHRC boss said he had directed the commencement of a preliminary investigation into the deaths.
He also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all evidence relating to the incident to assist in establishing what happened to the suspects while they were in custody.
Ojukwu said the investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent and thorough, stressing that it should comply with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be properly established, particularly because the persons involved were in the custody of a law enforcement agency at the time.
The NHRC boss reminded security agencies that the arrest of persons suspected of illegal mining did not remove their rights under the Constitution and other applicable laws.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” Ojukwu said.
He stressed that every person in custody must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the law, regardless of the offence for which the person was arrested or the suspicion against them.
The Executive Secretary also urged youths in Minna to remain calm and refrain from violence, assuring that the Commission would ensure accountability and appropriate remedies where violations are established.
