Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has inaugurated a nine-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths of 37 persons who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command.
Bago inaugurated the commission at the Government House, Minna, on Tuesday, shortly after its members were sworn in by Justice Muhammad S.A. Muhammad of the Niger State High Court, who is also the chairman of the commission.
The governor congratulated the members and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government and the people of Niger State.
He said the commission had four weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Niger State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Mu’azu, said the governor was empowered by existing laws to establish the commission.
Mu’azu cited the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Tribunal of Inquiry Act of the Federation and, particularly, Section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 27, Laws of Niger State, 1989, popularly known as the Green Books.
He said the commission was established in response to public concern following the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody.
According to him, the fact that the deceased were allegedly involved in illegal mining did not diminish their fundamental rights or the state’s obligation to protect their lives while in custody.
The commissioner clarified that the commission would not investigate the administrative conduct of NSCDC personnel or determine disciplinary measures against officers.
Rather, he said, its mandate was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths within the areas covered by the powers of the Niger State Government.
The terms of reference of the commission include investigating the circumstances of the arrest of the deceased and the legality of their detention.
It will also examine the conditions and treatment of the victims while in custody, as well as the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The commission is further expected to examine the responsibility and accountability of relevant officers, consider medical and forensic evidence, and make general findings and recommendations.
The nine-member commission is chaired by Justice Muhammad S.A. Muhammad of the Niger State High Court.
Other members are the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Minna Branch, Mohammed Ibrahim Ndamitso; Permanent Secretary, Public Service, Dr Joseph Kolo; Chief Magistrate Hafsat Abdullahi; and Prof. Danladi Yunusa Hakimi, representing the Minna Emirate.
Others are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Dr Abubakar Sadiq Musa; Deputy Commissioner of Police Habila Daniel; Nana Hauwa Isah, representing civil society; and Babangida Sani Muj, representing the mining sector.
