37 Miners’ Deaths: Probe Panel Demands Two Weeks Extension
The Federal Government’s independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has requested a two-week extension to submit its report.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had constituted the panel to investigate the deaths of the miners, who were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna, Niger State.
Chairman of the committee and retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the request at a press conference on Tuesday.
Kure said the committee had made “appreciable progress” in its investigation but required additional time to complete its assignment.
He said the panel had travelled to Minna to inspect the custody facility, conducted autopsies, interviewed NSCDC personnel, survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses, and collected documentary and forensic evidence.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated institutional gaps and “an overzealousness” on the part of some officers, while stressing the need for greater professionalism in handling sensitive cases.
Kure, however, said the committee could not conclude its work by the initial October 7 deadline because of the volume of evidence requiring review.
He said, “Appreciable progress has been made since the inauguration of the committee, including the inspection of the custody facility, conduct of autopsies, and taking of statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses.
“The additional two weeks will enable the committee to review the volume of evidence and testimonies gathered, while giving all persons implicated in the incident an opportunity to respond.”
He identified pending forensic and pathology reports needed to establish the causes of death as another factor delaying the report.
The committee chairman also said the panel needed to give all persons implicated in the matter, including suspended officers, a fair opportunity to respond before reaching its conclusions.
He said the additional time was necessary to ensure that the findings and recommendations would “withstand scrutiny and command public confidence”.
Kure said the Federal Government had approved the committee’s request for a two-week extension, assuring that the investigation would be thorough and credible.
