CSOs Urge Due Process In Probe Into Niger Deaths

The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability and allied civil society organisations have called for restraint, objectivity and due process in the ongoing investigation into the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The groups expressed support for a full investigation into the incident but warned against premature conclusions and attempts to discredit the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC before the facts surrounding the deaths are established.

The position is contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Comrade Patrick Onoumuodeke.
The organisations said the deaths of persons in security custody constituted a serious matter that warranted answers, particularly regarding the condition of the detainees at the time of arrest, their detention conditions, access to medical.