37 NSCDC custody deaths: Committee of inquiry begins investigation

The Independent Committee of Inquiry into the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced sittings.

The sitting followed its inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, Secretary of the Independent Committee of Inquiry, said in a statement on Thursday that the Committee held its inaugural meeting immediately after being sworn in and adopted a work plan to guide the conduct of its investigation.

“In line with this work plan, the Committee will visit all relevant sites, engage with relevant government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.

“It will also gather all documents and other materials necessary to establish the full facts of the matter,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the Committee’s medical team has already begun work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths.

The Committee appealed to members of the public to support its work and resolved to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations.

It said details regarding the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated in due course.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry and said it would keep the public informed as its work progresses.