In its findings, the panel said suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye authorised and supervised the operation without adequate planning, approval or oversight, permitted overcrowding and failed to ensure that detainees were held in accordance with lawful procedures.
“He permitted overcrowding, failed to ensure lawful detention practices and later issued a false public statement attributing the deaths to a disease outbreak. The committee concluded that his actions reflected gross leadership failure, abuse of authority and serious professional misconduct.”
“The committee recommends a restitution of the NSCDCD in order to carry out their reforms. The NDSCD also recommends a restitutive package, a compensation of 30m for each of the 33 bereaved families and 10m to each of the 41 survivors, representing a total compensation package of 1.4 billion naira.”
“Additional measures include educational support for dependents of deceased victims, medical rehabilitation of survivors, psychological support for affected families, and a formal apology by the federal government.”
It recommended administrative sanctions for personnel who failed in their duties but whose actions or inactions were not directly responsible for the deaths.
It added that “fatalities resulted from environmental asphyxia caused by oroloneged confinement in a severely overcrowded cell aggravated by heat stress and dehydration.”
According to the committee, the operation which led to the arrest of the suspects was without an “operational order” or approval from the national headquarters of the NSCDC.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government was determined to secure justice for the deceased and their families.
“No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position,” he said. Those officers who concealed or attempted to destroy evidence must be suspended immediately, pending further investigation. You cannot destroy evidence.”
The Minister stated that the report would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action, while the Ministry would carefully review it and act on its recommendations.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would implement far-reaching reforms within the NSCDC, including improved detention facilities, stronger oversight, better training and stricter accountability measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers found responsible, where appropriate. I
The Minister said: “Mr. President has always said that every life is important, and no Nigerian life is more important than another. This is a President who has built his reputation on accountability. Renewed Hope is about accountability. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done. That is what this government stands for.”
Dr. Tunji-Ojo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his leadership and his commitment to justice. He also commended the Committee members for their dedication and a job well done, and assured the families of the deceased that the Government would not abandon them.
