37 detainees die in custody in Nigeria — Anadolu Agency

In Niger State, Nigeria, 37 people detained on suspicion of illegal mining have died. They were held at a facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, the state capital, Anadolu Agency reports.

The deceased were among 67 people detained on suspicion of illegal mining. Niger State Governor Umar Bago said that the 37 detainees likely died of suffocation after being held in a single cell.

Relatives' statements

Relatives of some of the deceased told the agency that their loved ones were beaten while in custody. Saba Usman said she has photographs and videos showing injuries on the body of her son, Usman Walid. According to her, what she saw gives her reason to believe that he was tortured to death.

Lawan Mohammed also said that his son sustained severe physical injuries at the detention facility. He said that when he came the next day to bring his son breakfast, he had a swollen head and other serious injuries.

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Investigation into the detainees' deaths

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation. He stressed that suspects in illegal mining retain the right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in state custody.

The authorities also suspended officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in connection with the incident. A committee of ten specialists in law, security, the mining industry and medicine was established for the investigation. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo warned of liability for concealing or destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses or obstructing the investigation.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya called the detainees' deaths a matter of “extreme seriousness.”