RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for a speedy investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Falana urged the Niger State Attorney-General, Nasiru Mu’azu, to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly investigated and that any security personnel or other individuals found culpable are prosecuted.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, following the arrest of several people during operations against suspected illegal mining activities.
The Federal Government has since ordered an investigation into the incident, constituted a 10-member independent committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and suspended officers linked to the case pending the outcome of the investigation.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has also confirmed the deaths, with forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, being conducted to determine the exact cause.
The incident has triggered protests and public concern in Minna, particularly following accounts alleging overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility. Some reports have also indicated that teenagers may have been among those detained.
Authorities have, however, not announced a definitive cause of death, with investigations still ongoing.
Falana said the Niger State Police Command should conduct a speedy investigation while the State Ministry of Justice should prosecute individuals indicted by the findings.
He also raised broader concerns about conditions in detention facilities across Nigeria, arguing that the Niger incident highlighted the need for authorities to ensure that people held in custody are treated in accordance with established human rights standards.
Falana called for Nigerian detention facilities to comply with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
The rules establish minimum standards covering accommodation, sanitation, ventilation, healthcare and the humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.
He further argued that investigations into incidents involving deaths in custody should establish individual responsibility where evidence of wrongdoing exists rather than ending solely with administrative measures.
The Federal Government has pledged that its investigation into the Niger incident will be comprehensive and transparent.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has also said Nigerians and the families of those who died deserve an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a related development, Falana called on the Ondo State Attorney-General, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, to ensure the prosecution of persons found responsible for a suspected mass poisoning incident that has reportedly claimed 48 lives in the state.
Health authorities recorded 182 cases as of September 17 following the reported consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal mixtures in several communities.
Preliminary laboratory findings reportedly detected high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
Five victims were reported to have suffered total loss of sight, while two others experienced partial loss of sight.
Affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, while cases have also been reported in Irele Local Government Area.
Authorities have arrested 15 people in connection with the alleged production, sale and distribution of the suspected toxic drinks, while investigations and surveillance operations continue.
Falana urged the Ondo State Government to ensure that anyone found criminally responsible following investigations is prosecuted.
He maintained that the incidents in Niger and Ondo underscored the importance of accountability whenever investigations into incidents involving multiple deaths establish evidence of criminal responsibility.
