Mass Cell Tragedy: A CAIDOV Demands Independent Probe, Prosecution Over Custodial Deaths Of 37 Miners In Niger State

A prominent human rights group, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), has demanded a full-scale independent federal investigation into the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The victims, who were arrested during anti-illegal mining raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area on September 15 and 16, reportedly died from suffocation due to severe overcrowding and poor ventilation. Survivors revealed that approximately 65 people were crammed into a single, unventilated cell.

While the Niger State NSCDC Command initially claimed a disease outbreak caused the deaths, state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed the tragedy, describing the massive loss of life within the civil defence facility as “so sad, so tragic.”

A Breach of Constitutional Rights

In a strongly-worded statement signed by Executive Director Comrade Soloki Moses Olugbenga, CAIDOV reminded authorities that even though illegal mining is a punishable offense under the law, the state has a fundamental duty to protect detainees.

“Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life,” Olugbenga stated. “Custodial death of 37 citizens is unacceptable. No Nigerian, no matter his alleged offence, deserves to die in custody.”

CAIDOV’s Core Demands

To ensure transparency and prevent state actors from burying the truth alongside the victims, the rights group outlined five non-negotiable demands:

Preservation of Forensic Evidence: Despite reports that the bodies were hastily buried on Thursday evening, CAIDOV insists the government must ensure forensic autopsies can still be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

A Truly Independent Panel: The group rejected reliance solely on the committee set up by Governor Bago. They called on the Federal Government to empanel a neutral inquiry board comprising the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and leading Civil Society Organizations.

Criminal Prosecution, Not Just Suspension: Following the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, CAIDOV demanded that any officer found culpable of negligence, torture, or extrajudicial killing face formal criminal prosecution.

Family Compensation: The government must immediately identify, support, and compensate the grieving families who were left waiting outside the hospital doors for their loved ones’ bodies.

Immediate Custodial Reforms: The organization demanded an immediate end to the subhuman conditions—overcrowding, lack of food, zero ventilation, and medical neglect—prevalent across Nigeria’s detention facilities.

Petitions Heading to High Quarters

The Inspector General of Police has already ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with police forces taking control of the scene. Moving forward, CAIDOV announced it is submitting formal petitions to the IGP, the Minister of Interior, and the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that this mass casualty does not go unpunished.