Niger Deaths: Interior Minister Inaugurates 10-Member Panel, Vows Transparent Investigation
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Minister said the committee was inaugurated on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the President’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
Tunji-Ojo, who expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Niger State Government and Nigerians affected by the incident, said no life should be lost in the custody of the state.
He said the Federal Government had taken immediate steps following the report, including the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers who were on duty and responsible for arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17, 2026.
According to the Minister, the officers will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as Secretary.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the immediate and remote causes of their deaths, including the time and locations where the deaths occurred.
It is also expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the deceased, examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility and assess compliance with relevant laws, procedures and human rights standards.
The committee will further investigate allegations of torture or inhumane treatment and whether any of the detainees were denied appropriate medical care while in custody.
The Minister said the committee had been given full authority to co-opt experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.
He directed the committee to submit an interim report within two weeks, expressing hope that its findings would contribute to meaningful institutional reforms.
Tunji-Ojo also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence are preserved and made available.
He warned against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation, stressing that such actions would be treated as serious offences.
“To Nigerians, I say this: We owe you the truth. This Committee will deliver the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” the Minister said.
He appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the Federal Government would not abandon them.
Tunji-Ojo said the investigation was intended not only to establish what happened but also to strengthen accountability and institutional safeguards for the protection of lives in government custody.
Niger Deaths: Interior Minister Inaugurates 10-Member Panel, Vows Transparent Investigation