Death in Custody: Suspended NSCDC Commandant Apologises to Bereaved Families
The suspended Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, Siaka Suberu Aniviye, has apologised to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the corps’ custody.
Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry set up by the Niger State Government to investigate the deaths.
The commission, sitting in Minna, heard his testimony during its second sitting as it continued proceedings to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.
During his appearance, the suspended commandant reportedly acknowledged that the incident could have been avoided, describing it as a costly mistake. He subsequently appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness.
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His admission came as the commission sought to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and establish whether lapses in the handling, supervision or custody of the detainees contributed to the incident.
The commission also heard testimonies from the NSCDC State Legal Officer, ACC Stephen Tsado, and the corps’ Command Nurse, Maryam Etang, as part of efforts to gather evidence from relevant personnel.
In a further step in its investigation, the commission’s chairman, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, led other members on a visit to the mortuary of Minna General Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased were kept.
During the visit, the commission was informed that three of the bodies remained unclaimed.
The inquiry is expected to establish the sequence of events leading to the deaths, identify any institutional or individual failures and determine responsibility where wrongdoing is established.
The commission’s findings are expected to provide clarity to the bereaved families and the public, while informing any further action required under the law.
By PRNigeria
