‘Life Of Every Nigerian Matters’ – Tinubu Orders Probe Into Minna Custody Deaths

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

Tinubu, who expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, said the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should lose his life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

“While the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody,” the President said.

He stressed that the status of the deceased as suspected illegal miners did not remove their fundamental rights while in government custody.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody,” Tinubu said.

Adding, “government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.”

The President directed that where the investigation establishes that any official contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” he insisted.

Tinubu directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.

He said the probe must cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” the President declared.

He also directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process or attempted to frustrate the establishment of the truth.

The Nigerian leader extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also appealed for calm among the families and communities affected by the tragedy, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the President said.