Relatives accuse Nigerian officials of abusing 37 miners who died in custody

Relatives of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of Nigeria’s civil defense agency have accused officials of abuse as authorities investigate the deaths of 37 detainees in Niger State, Anadolu Agency reported.

The detainees were among 67 people arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and held at a facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, the state capital.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago said the 37 detainees likely died from suffocation after being held in a single cell.

Relatives of some of the deceased told Anadolu that their family members had been beaten while in detention.

Saba Usman said her son, Usman Whalid, had photographs and videos showing injuries to his body, leading her to believe he had been tortured to death.

“I have photographs and videos showing the injuries on my son’s body. From what I saw, I believe he was tortured to death in custody,” Usman said.

The father of a 30-year-old motorcycle mechanic identified as Lawan Mohammed said his son had suffered severe physical injuries while in custody. He called on the government to ensure justice.

“My son had a swollen head among other severe physical injuries by the time I visited the next day to give him breakfast in detention,” he said.

Government orders investigation

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation, saying that suspected illegal miners retained their rights to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

The government has suspended NSCDC officials in connection with the incident.

A 10-member committee made up of professionals from the legal, security, mining and medical sectors has also been established to investigate the deaths.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo warned that anyone found trying to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face consequences.

Concerns over detention conditions

The deaths have renewed concerns about conditions in Nigeria’s detention facilities and the treatment of suspects in state custody, as many Nigerians demand accountability.

Nigerian Bar Association President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya described the deaths as a matter of “utmost gravity.”

The government has maintained that suspected illegal miners must be held accountable when they violate the law.