FG names Deji Adeyanju, Buhari, others on panel to probe NSCDC custody deaths

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has formed a 10-member independent committee to conduct an investigation into the deaths of 37 persons believed to have been illegally mining in Niger State, who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This comes after President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation into the matter, which took place on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the independent investigation.

The minister described the deaths as deeply disturbing, saying the government had a responsibility to provide the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public with a transparent account of what happened.

The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.

It will also determine whether there was any responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct by individuals or institutions involved in the incident.

The committee is expected to recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the matter to fully cooperate with the investigation.

He also ordered that all records and material evidence relating to the incident be preserved and made available to the committee.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” the minister warned.

Members of the investigative committee

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Jonathan Kure, mni.

Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary. 

Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.

Also on the committee are Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The committee has been empowered to co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.

It has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

Officers suspended

In addition to the suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant, the minister ordered the suspension of 20 other officers linked to the incident.

Those suspended include the Officer-in-Charge of Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; Station Guard ASCI Hassan Mohammed; Station Guard CCA Bala Mohammed; Arresting Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday; Arresting Officer DCC Obafemi Elvis; and Arresting Officer CSC Annas Shitto Lamino.

Others are the Head of Intelligence/Investigation, DCC Philip Ajayi; Officer-in-Charge of Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado; Day/Night Duty Officer ASCI Alhassan Mohammed; and Guard Duty personnel IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed Sonfada, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman, IC Mohammed Jiya, DSC Isah Suleiman, CAI Ahmed Wushishi, IC Sale Adamu, IC Haruna Mohammed, ASCI Aliyu Sallah and CAI Isah Sanusi.

The suspensions are pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.

The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed to residents and other stakeholders to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.

The probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any officials or other persons should be held responsible.