Seeks action against suspects linked to Ondo deaths
ABUJA — Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of persons found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State
Falana, in a statement on Saturday, specifically urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, to ensure that the State Police Command conducts a speedy investigation into the incident and that anyone indicted is prosecuted by the state Ministry of Justice
The call followed the deaths of the detainees on Thursday, September 17, after scores of persons arrested during raids on suspected illegal mining sites were taken into NSCDC custody in Minna
The Federal Government has since suspended officers linked to the incident and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, also confirmed that 37 detainees died, while stating that medical and forensic examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths
Falana said, “The Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu Esq, should ensure a speedy investigation by the State Police Command and immediate prosecution of all indicted suspects by the State Ministry of Justice.”
He said the NSCDC had confirmed that more than 50 persons were arrested over alleged illegal mining activities, with profiling and documentation of the detainees still ongoing
The human rights lawyer said the incident had again highlighted concerns over the conditions in which suspects are detained in Nigeria, urging authorities to ensure that detention facilities comply with international standards
Falana recalled the 1980 incident in which about 50 criminal suspects reportedly died after being locked inside a police transport van, popularly known as a “Black Maria”, at the premises of the Tinubu Magistrate Court in Lagos
He argued that recurring concerns over overcrowding and poor conditions in detention facilities had continued to expose detainees to serious risks
“The best way to honour the 37 suspects that were suffocated to death last week is to ensure that detention centres in the country meet the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules,” he said
The Mandela Rules prescribe minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, including provisions on accommodation, sanitation, ventilation, healthcare and humane treatment
Falana urged the authorities to ensure that the Niger investigation establishes individual responsibility where criminal wrongdoing is found, rather than ending with administrative sanctions
The Federal Government has said the probe will be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, while the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians an explanation of what happened
Falana seeks action over Ondo deaths
In a related development, Falana urged the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, to prosecute persons found responsible for the deaths linked to the consumption of suspected toxic alcoholic and herbal concoctions in the state
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, said 182 cases had been recorded as of September 17, with 48 deaths reported following consumption of the suspected beverages in parts of Ondo State
NAFDAC also said five victims had become totally blind while two others suffered partial blindness
Preliminary laboratory analysis, according to the agency, detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected beverages
The affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu recording the highest number of cases Cases were also reported in Irele Local Government Area.
NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the production, sale and distribution of the suspected toxic drinks, while investigations and surveillance were continuing
Falana urged Ajulo to take over the case and ensure the prosecution of suspects found culpable for the deaths
He said the two incidents underscored the need for authorities to pursue criminal accountability whenever investigations establish responsibility, rather than allowing cases involving multiple deaths to end without prosecution