Panel begins probe into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

An independent panel has commenced an investigation into the deaths of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The inquiry followed the inauguration of the committee by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

In a statement issued by the committee’s Secretary, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, the panel said it held its inaugural meeting immediately after its inauguration and adopted a work plan for the investigation.

As part of the probe, the committee will visit relevant locations, engage government agencies connected to the incident and interview survivors, suspects and other individuals who may have information about the deaths.

It will also obtain relevant documents and other materials needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The panel’s medical team has commenced work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths.

The committee also invited members of the public, individuals and organisations with relevant information to support the inquiry.

It said memoranda would be invited from interested parties, while details on the submission process, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be announced later.

The committee pledged to conduct the investigation in a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based manner.

It also said it would continue to provide updates to the public as the inquiry progresses.