President Tinubu Addresses Deaths of Miners in Custody

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and government accountability.

President Bola Tinubu responded by asserting that the suspects' rights to life and humane treatment must be upheld, regardless of their alleged illegal activities. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate mass deaths due to negligence or failure to protect individuals in custody.

Tinubu's statement included a warning that the suspension of officers involved should not replace a proper criminal investigation if warranted. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was credited for quickly establishing an independent committee to investigate the deaths, which includes a forensic pathologist to determine the causes of death.

The committee has been given a two-week timeline to report, which has been met with scrutiny regarding the urgency of the investigation.