…says death preventable, presents report to Minister of Interior
News Investigators/ The independent investigative committee set up by the Federal Government says the 33 detainees who died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger Command lost their lives because of severe overcrowding.
The committee presented results of its investigation to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The committee headed by a retired Deputy Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, said the deaths were preventable as it resulted from poor ventilation, dehydration, ignored distress calls and unlawful detention practices.
Mr. Kure said that contrary to earlier reports that the deceased were about 37 in person, the panel investigation revealed that the deceased comprised of 33 male.
He also said that from the 33 male victims who died between Sept. 16 and 17, 2026, 14 were minors.
He further said that evidence however does not support claims that a disease outbreak caused the deaths, adding that medical findings pointed to acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia.
He explained that the cell’s poor ventilation, extreme heat, overcrowding and lack of adequate drinking water created life-threatening conditions.
“The cell has a solid metal door, inadequate airflow, no running water, poor lighting and no functioning toilet.
“Food and drinking water were either unavailable or grossly inadequate as adults and minors were detained together.
“Female detainees were temporarily transferred elsewhere because of overcrowding but were subsequently released.
“Witnesses consistently described conditions of extreme heat, dehydration, congestion and suffocation as detainees were unable to move freely and many collapsed as conditions deteriorated,” Mr. Kure said.
He added that, detainees repeatedly banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and panned for water.
“These distress calls were heard by officers assigned to nearby duties,” he said.
According to him, these circumstances amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, thereby creating an environment in which fatalities became foreseeable and preventable.
He said the committee had recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers and men of the state command of the NSCDC responsible for the deaths of the 33 detainees.
“The committee has also recommended prosecution for offences ranging from murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment where applicable,” he said.
According to Mr. Kure, administrative sanctions are also proposed against officers whose failures contributed to the tragedy.
“The investigation identified serious failures by senior officers, including the state commandant over the operation, detention conditions, supervision and response to repeated distress calls.”
He further recommended a comprehensive restructuring of the NSCDC’s leadership and reforms in recruitment, deployment, training, supervision, intelligence gathering and accountability.
According to him, the recommendations are intended to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
Mr. Kure called for investigations by anti-corruption agencies into allegations of extortion and mismanagement of exhibits.
Responding, the minister said that the era of setting up committee to just reduce tension was over, assuring that nothing will be swept under the carpet after the report.
Mr. Tunji-Ojo ordered the suspension of all officers and men involved in the clearing of the crime scene before the arrival of the investigative panel.
“Those officers that intended to destroy and disrupt evidence must be suspended while internally we will investigate and carry out other disciplinary actions,” he said.
He assured that the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further action.
The minister assured of well implemented reforms, emphasising that the report showed a detailed job.
“For us leadership is not tested when things are right, but response when things are not going right,” he said.
He promised families of the deceased that the federal government would ensure justice was served.
“These are vulnerable people that must be protected and the best gift to give to the deceased is justice which must be done,” he said.
