forensic investigation, prosecution of guilty officers
Emma Elekwa
The CSO Forum on Detention and Correction has called for immediate, independent forensic investigations and coroner’s inquests to establish precise cause of deaths of 37 individuals held in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command.
The group in a statement signed jointly with civil society organizations across the nation also demanded for full legal accountability, swift indictment and prosecution of all officers found guilty of negligence, torture, or abuse of power resulting in these deaths.
It also called for unhindered access for civil society representatives, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and independent oversight bodies to monitor all detention facilities nationwide.
The body further demanded overhaul of law enforcement detention protocols, re-evaluation of NSCDC’s statutory detention authority and mandatory rights-based training for all personnel handling arrestees, stressing that state has an absolute constitutional responsibility to protect every life placed under its restraint.
The statement reads, “The CSO Forum on Detention and Correction joins civil society organizations across the nation in expressing shock, outrage, and grave concern over the deaths of 37 individuals held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command.
“We acknowledge the prompt administrative action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior in suspending the NSCDC State Commander.
“However, administrative suspension is only a preliminary step. The death of 37 human beings in state custody represents an intolerable failure of duty of care, custodial management, and institutional accountability.
“As a coalition dedicated to justice reform, human rights, and custodial oversight, the CSO Forum emphasizes that Nigeria’s commitments under UNCAT, OPCAT, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and domestic laws—including the Anti-Torture Act—are legally binding obligations, not optional guidelines.
“To restore public confidence and uphold the rule of law, the CSO Forum on Detention and Correction calls for: Transparent Autopsies and Inquests: Immediate, independent forensic investigations and coroner’s inquests to establish the precise cause of death for each victim, with findings made accessible to their families and the public.
“Full Legal Accountability: Swift indictment and prosecution of all officers found guilty of negligence, torture, or abuse of power resulting in these deaths.
“Access for Civil Society Oversight: Unhindered access for civil society representatives, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and independent oversight bodies to monitor all detention facilities nationwide.
“Overhaul of Law Enforcement Detention Protocols: Re-evaluation of NSCDC’s statutory detention authority and mandatory rights-based training for all personnel handling arrestees.The state has an absolute constitutional responsibility to protect every life placed under its restraint.
“The CSO Forum will closely monitor the investigation and ensure that this tragedy leads to genuine institutional reforms and justice for the deceased and their grieving families.
Signed by:
African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Bridges and Hands Foundation, Care Trust Development Initiative (CTDI), Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI).
Center for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Centre for Human Rights Fact-finding Advocacy Rehabilitation and Reintegration (CHFARR), C. I. Lander’s Global Initiative (CILGI)Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development (CM-CYCD)
Davina Care FoundationElixir Trust FoundationEquity Destitute Child Right and Welfare Initiative (EDCRAWI), FIDA Anambra StateFoundation for Public Interest Law and Development, Futureholds True Value-Impact Foundation, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC).
Global Relief and Empowerment Initiative, Glorious Healthcare Services (GHS), Gredan Legal Practitioners, Healthy Foods for Consumers Initiative, Inmates Educational Foundation, Integrated Rights Protection of Individuals Initiative (THE INTRIPIDS), Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).
Protect the Precious Foundation, Scale of Justice Foundation, Sterling Centre for Law and Development, The Oluebube A. Chukwu Foundation, Trafficking Survivors Initiative (VUTSI), Transformative Justice and Development Network (TRAJDEN), Ummah Care for the Inmates Foundation, Victorian Clarion Foundation (VICLAF), Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD)