An independent ministerial committee investigating the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, says its preliminary work has already pointed to institutional breakdown and overzealousness, but it cannot finish without forensic and pathology results still outstanding.
Chairman Jonathan Kure told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the panel has identified “elements of institutional breakdown” and “elements of overzealousness,” as well as “some elements that will require more training for personnel.” He spoke a day before the committee’s original deadline.
The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on September 22 and gave it two weeks to report. That window closes on October 7. The panel is now asking for an extension to October 21.
Kure said the volume of testimony and evidence made the original timetable impossible to meet. He listed three obstacles: the scale of material still being reviewed and collated; forensic and pathology reports he described as essential to establishing the cause of death; and the need to give everyone implicated, including officers already suspended, a fair chance to respond so that the findings can withstand scrutiny and retain public confidence.
The committee said it has made appreciable progress. Members inspected the custody facility, autopsies have been conducted, and statements have been taken from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses. Documentary and forensic evidence has also been collected.
In Minna, the panel met all the survivors and the bereaved families. It visited the mining site, the NSCDC State Command headquarters and the scene of the incident. Kure said members had also met every Civil Defence officer and operative involved, directly or indirectly, but that those interviews were not yet finished.
The committee thanked the Ministry of Interior, the NSCDC, the Niger State Government, the Minna Emirate, affected communities and the survivors for their cooperation. Kure said the extra time would not weaken the inquiry.
“We promised Nigerians a thorough job. We are determined to do what is just and what is right, and it will have to be seen to be thorough and credible,” he said. He added that the panel would not rest over the next two weeks and would return to the minister with a report that does justice where justice is due.
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