Following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has established a ten-member independent committee to thoroughly investigate the deaths of 37 individuals held by the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on suspicion of illegal mining.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Suspension of Officers: The Minister ordered the immediate suspension of all officers involved in the incident—including the Niger State Commandant and 20 other specific personnel ranging from station guards and arresting officers to legal and duty officers—pending the outcome of the probe.

• Preserving Evidence: Minister Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offense. All relevant records and material evidence have been ordered preserved.

Mandate of the Independent Committee

The committee is tasked with:

• Establishing the identities of the deceased and investigating the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention, and deaths.

• Determining responsibility, complicity, negligence, or misconduct.

• Recommending appropriate actions, compensation where applicable, and safety measures to prevent future occurrences.

• Delivering its findings and report to the Minister within two weeks.

Committee Members

1. Mr. Jonathan Kure, mni (Retired Deputy Director-General, DSS) – Chairman

2. Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN (Former Director-General, Nigerian Law School) – Secretary

3. AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (Retired)

4. Prof. Olayinka Buhari (Professor of Histopathology / Former CMD, UITH)

5. Representative, Minna Emirate Council

6. Representative, Niger State Government

7. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman (National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria)

8. Mr. Deji Adeyanju (Lawyer and Human Rights Activist)

9. Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino (Blueprint Newspaper)

10. Dr. George Agbakahi (Public Affairs Analyst)

The panel is empowered to co-opt experts, visit locations, access necessary documents, and request public memoranda as it carries out its two-week assignment. The Minister has also extended his condolences to the bereaved families while appealing for public calm.

Former military Head of State, retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Call for Justice: Speaking through Dr. Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, the Tambarin Kagara, Babangida described the incident as deeply disturbing and urged relevant authorities to uncover the exact circumstances and causes behind the deaths.

• Support for Forensic Inquiries: IBB commended the Niger State Government’s swift response, specifically welcoming the formation of a committee of inquiry and the initiation of medical and forensic examinations to establish the facts.

• Appeal for Calm: Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, the former leader urged local residents, youths, and the victims’ relatives to remain calm, avoid actions that could heighten tensions, and allow due process to run its course.

A survivor of the incident involving the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has claimed that the mining site belongs to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Allegation: The survivor, Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera—whose 17-year-old brother Salim was among the deceased—stated in a video that authorities wanted the miners to halt operations, but they continued working based on instructions allegedly given by Babangida.

• The Arrest and Detention: Nasera explained that the miners went to the site to earn a living to feed their families before NSCDC personnel arrested them and held them in custody for three days, allegedly refusing release efforts.

• Suspicious Circumstances: Raising questions about the sudden deaths, Nasera noted that the detainees had eaten well the day before, speculating that heat exposure or some form of administered substance may have been involved.

• Lack of Verification: It remains unverified whether Babangida personally owns the operation, holds a mining license, or owns the land, as the NSCDC maintains that the miners were operating illegally.