By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a preliminary investigation into the deaths of about 37 persons suspected to be artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN said the victims were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of the state on September 15 and 16.
According to him, the bodies of the deceased were later deposited at the General Hospital, Minna.
Ojukwu, in a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, expressed concern over the incident and commiserated with the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State.
He directed the Commission to commence preliminary investigations to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NHRC boss also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence, stressing that investigations ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent, thorough and conducted in line with international standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
Ojukwu maintained that allegations of illegal mining could not deprive suspects of their fundamental rights.
He said, “Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full complement of their fundamental human rights in accordance with national and international human rights instruments.”
He further reminded law enforcement agencies that every person in custody must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also appealed to youths in Minna to remain calm and refrain from violence, assuring them that the Commission would pursue accountability and ensure appropriate remedies where human rights violations are established.
