NSCDC Cell Tragedy: SDP’s Adebayo Demands Independent Judicial Probe, Blames Tinubu Administration
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has strongly condemned the tragic death of 37 detainees in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing it as a “catastrophic failure of custodial care.”
The fatalities, which occurred at an NSCDC facility in Minna, have sparked nationwide outrage and protests.While the NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a sudden disease outbreak, emerging reports and survivor testimonies suggest the victims—primarily suspected illegal artisanal miners—suffered from severe overcrowding and suffocation in a poorly ventilated cell.
Reacting to the incident through a press release signed by his Campaign’s Chief Communications Adviser, Comrade Mark Adebayo, the SDP standard-bearer stated that the incident represents a severe violation of human rights and a profound national embarrassment.
“The death of 37 Nigerians in state custody demands swift and uncompromising accountability,” Adebayo said. “We cannot fold our arms while the institutions established to protect our people become centers of unexplained fatalities. Custody implies protection, rehabilitation, and the preservation of legal rights, not a death sentence.”
Call for Independent Inquiry
While Adebayo acknowledged the prompt directive from the Minister of Interior ordering an investigation, he insisted that the federal government must not allow an internal or “whitewashed” affair handled exclusively by security agencies. Instead, he called for an independent, full-scale judicial panel of inquiry to ensure total transparency.
To guarantee a credible investigation, the SDP candidate laid out three major demands:
Suspension of Officials: The immediate suspension of all commanding officers directly responsible for the facilities where the deaths occurred.
Independent Autopsies: A comprehensive autopsy and forensic audit conducted by independent medical experts to determine the exact cause of death for each of the 37 detainees.
Detention Overhaul: A complete public audit and overhaul of all detention protocols and facilities managed by the NSCDC and other paramilitary agencies to prevent future occurrences.
“Nigerian Lives Have Become Cheap”
Taking aim at the federal government, Adebayo declared that Nigerian lives have become “cheap” under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that no civilized society should tolerate such a systemic or negligent loss of citizens held under the protection of the state.
Following the massive public outcry, the Ministry of Interior has since suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. Security agencies have also imposed an overnight curfew in parts of Minna to curb civil unrest stemming from the incident.
Adebayo extended his deepest condolences to the grieving families of the deceased, promising that the SDP would monitor the developments closely until justice is fully served and those culpable are prosecuted.
