FG names Neptune Prime board member Zainab Okino on panel probing deaths of 37 in NSCDC custody
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, over suspicion of illegal mining.
Among those appointed to the committee is Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino, a Board Member of Neptune Prime and a journalist with Blueprint Newspaper, underscoring the Federal Government’s decision to include media and civil society perspectives in the investigation.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the constitution of the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 people reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, while in NSCDC custody in Niger State. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have prompted calls for an independent investigation to establish what happened before, during and after their detention.
Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as deeply disturbing, saying the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events that led to the incident.
According to the Minister, the committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrest, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It is also expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
Committee members
The 10-member committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as Secretary.
The other members are:
- Mr Jonathan Kure, mni — Retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services — Chairman.
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) — Former Director-General, Nigeria Law School — Secretary.
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd.) — Member.
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari — Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
- Representative of the Minna Emirate Council.
- Representative of the Niger State Government.
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman — National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria.
- Mr Deji Adeyanju — Lawyer and human rights activist.
- Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino — Board Member, Neptune Prime and journalist with Blueprint Newspaper.
- Dr George Agbakahi — Public Affairs Analyst.
The committee may co-opt relevant experts where necessary, access facilities and documents required for its work, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
It has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Government orders preservation of evidence
The Minister has directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the committee.
He also ordered that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators.
Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee is expected to provide answers on the identities of those who died, the circumstances of their arrest and detention, and the events surrounding their deaths.
20 NSCDC officers suspended
In a related development, the Minister ordered the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The suspended officers are:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka — O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed — Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed — Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday — Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis — Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino — Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi — HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado — O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed — Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale — Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada — Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar — Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman — Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya — Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman — Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi — Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu — Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed — Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi — Guard Duty.
The suspension is pending the outcome of the investigation and does not itself establish culpability.
The Minister extended condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the independent investigation proceeds.
The Federal Government said the investigation is intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide a transparent account of what happened.
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