Niger 37: Gov Bago Seeks Justice For Victims’ Families As Probe Begins

As the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the death of 37 miners in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) begins sitting today, Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reiterated the desire of his administration to ensure justice for the families of the dead.

The governor said the commission was not to look into the administrative conduct and possible punishment of the officers but rather to probe into the act that was committed within the purview and powers of the government of Niger State.

Bago charged members of the commission to discharge their duty with all sincerity and the fear of God to ensure justice for the victims’ families. He directed the commission to look into the arrest and legality of the custody and treatment of the victims while in detention and the circumstance of their deaths.

The commission is also to look at the responsibility and accountability of officers, medical forensic investigation and evidence, and make its findings and recommendations.

The secretary of the 11-member commission, Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi, said the committee was open for memorandum as he confirmed the inaugural sitting today.

He said the sitting is expected commence in the morning at the Teachers’ Professional Institute, along F-layout by Tayi Junction in Minna, the state capital.

The commission which is headed by a Minna High Court 4 judge, Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed, in a statement requested members of the public to attend and also submit their memo to it.