The independent committee investigating the reported deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced work, with investigators set to visit detention facilities and interview survivors and suspects as part of efforts to establish what happened….
The independent committee investigating the reported deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced work, with investigators set to visit detention facilities and interview survivors and suspects as part of efforts to establish what happened.
The committee, chaired by Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, adopted a detailed work plan at its inaugural meeting to guide the investigation into the reported deaths.
The panel is expected to visit relevant detention sites as it gathers evidence and examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It will also engage government agencies connected to the matter and interview survivors and suspects who may provide information relevant to the investigation.
The committee will collect documents and other materials it considers necessary to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
A medical team has separately commenced work to determine the causes and manner of the deaths, an aspect expected to provide key evidence to the investigation.
The medical findings could help the committee establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and clarify issues that may arise from the accounts of detainees, officials and other witnesses.
The committee is also opening its investigation to information from members of the public and organisations with relevant evidence.
It will invite memoranda from individuals and organisations, while details of the submission process, including venues and dates for physical presentations, will be announced later.
The committee has appealed for public cooperation as it carries out its assignment.
Professor Chiroma said the panel was committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability based on the evidence established during the investigation.
The investigation is expected to bring together evidence from detention facilities, government agencies, witnesses, survivors, suspects and the medical team before the committee reaches its conclusions.
The Federal Ministry of Interior constituted the independent inquiry following reports of the deaths of 37 detainees in NSCDC custody.
The committee’s findings are expected to establish the circumstances of the deaths and provide recommendations based on the evidence gathered.
