CSOs, Falana demand investigation into deaths of 37 NSCDC detainees in Niger

Civil Society Organisations and human rights lawyer Femi Falana have demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

The groups include the Youth Arise Movement, Women in Mining Nigeria, the Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities and Avocats Sans Frontières France.

The groups urged the Federal Government to launch an independent investigation into the deaths.

They want authorities to establish what caused the deaths and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The Youth Arise Movement said the deaths raised questions about the arrests and detention conditions.

It also questioned the medical and welfare arrangements for the detainees.

The group called for independent authorities, including the Department of State Services, to take part in the investigation.

Women in Mining Nigeria also called for reforms across detention facilities.

The group cited reports of overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and poor ventilation.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, to ensure a thorough investigation.

He also called for the prosecution of any official found culpable.

Avocats Sans Frontières France made a similar call for an independent investigation.

The group expressed concern over reports of overcrowding and inadequate ventilation.

It also raised concerns about delayed access to medical assistance at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability said investigators should complete their work before anyone holds the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, responsible.

The coalition said the NSCDC arrested more than 50 persons during operations on September 15 and 16.

It said the arrests took place around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna.

The coalition claimed that Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, did not inform the Commandant-General about the arrests before the deaths occurred.

The Federal Government has since suspended Aniviye and set up a 10-member committee to investigate the deaths.

The Niger State NSCDC command initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

The police also opened an investigation into the incident.

However, survivors reportedly gave a different account.

They alleged that detainees stayed in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, creating conflicting accounts about the circumstances of the deaths.