Tinubu orders prosecution review over Niger miners custody deaths

President Bola Tinubu has ordered investigators to determine whether officials should face prosecution over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

The directive is a new step in the custody-death case earlier reported here, after Niger State confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died following enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis.

Punch reported that Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, called for a full and transparent investigation into the deaths.

The President directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse, negligence or failure of duty should be arrested and prosecuted under the law.

He also said the suspension of officers should not replace a proper finding on whether criminal responsibility exists. The investigation is expected to cover the circumstances of the arrests, detention conditions, the number of people held, medical attention provided and the events that led to the deaths.

The Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership were directed to cooperate with the relevant authorities and prevent any interference with the investigation.

Source: Punch