Rights Group Petitions NHRC, Demands Independent Probe Of 37 Suspected Illegal-miners’ Deaths

A Nigeria-based human rights organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has filed a petition before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), calling for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 37 suspected illegal miners.while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state.

The organisation in a statement signed by its communication associate, Ogechi Ogwuma, described the incident as a grave failure of the state’s duty to protect lives, demanding an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into
the deaths.

It argued that the suspects had not been tried and convicted, hence they were entitled to the presumption of innocence and irrespective of the allegations against them, they remained bearers of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to Hope Behind Bars Africa, the suspects entered the custody of the Nigerian state alive which assumed responsibility for
their safety and welfare but 37 of them are now dead.

“Reports emerging from survivors raise profoundly disturbing questions about the conditions in which the deceased were detained, including allegations of severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat and lack of access to water.

“Survivors have described
being packed into a cell in conditions in which they struggled to breathe, repeatedly called
for help. These allegations must be subjected to rigorous and independent investigation. If established, they would represent an appalling failure of the most basic standards of  humane detention.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not diminish the value of their lives. We welcome the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant but stress that accountability must extend to every officer who exercised command, custodial,supervisory or welfare responsibility over the facility during the relevant period,” the statement said.

The group insisted that all officers directly connected with the arrest, detention, supervision and welfare of the deceased should be immediately suspended from custodial duties pending an independent investigation.

“We further call for an immediate, independent, transparent and time-bound investigation, extending beyond an internal NSCDC inquiry, into the circumstances of the arrests; the number of persons detained and the lawful capacity of the cell; access to water, food, ventilation and medical care; the temperature and physical conditions within the detention facility; the response of officers to reported distress; the timeline and circumstances of each
death; and the conduct of every officer responsible for the detainees.

“In furtherance of this call for accountability, Hope Behind Bars Africa has filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urging the Commission to investigate
the circumstances surrounding the deaths and take all necessary steps to ensure accountability and redress.

“Survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses must be protected from intimidation or retaliation. Any officer against whom credible evidence of criminal responsibility emerges
must be subjected to the ordinary processes of criminal investigation and prosecution.

“Hope Behind Bars Africa will continue to follow developments in this matter and remains committed to advocating for the protection of the rights and dignity of all persons who come into contact with Nigeria’s criminal justice system,” the statement added.