Panel Begins Probe Into Deaths Of 37 People In NSCDC Custody

An independent committee set up to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced its investigation.

The committee began sitting shortly after its inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Ojo, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN.

Chiroma said the committee held its inaugural meeting immediately after the inauguration and adopted a work plan to guide the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

He said the committee would visit relevant locations, engage government agencies and interview survivors, suspects and other persons considered relevant to the inquiry.

The committee will also obtain relevant documents and other materials that could assist it in establishing the facts surrounding the reported deaths.

As part of the investigation, the committee’s medical team has commenced work to determine the causes, mechanisms and manner of the deaths.

The committee said its investigation would seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide a factual basis for its findings.

It appealed to members of the public to support the inquiry by providing relevant information that could assist the committee in its work.

The committee also resolved to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations as part of its investigation.

According to Chiroma, details on the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated to the public in due course.

The committee’s investigation comes amid concerns over the reported deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody and the circumstances surrounding their detention and deaths.

The inquiry is expected to examine available evidence, hear from relevant persons and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.