Obi: Nigeria Must Protect Lives In Custody, Not Turn Detention Into Death Sentence

2027 Presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, has called for a transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, saying Nigeria must begin to place greater value on human life.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Saturday, Obi described the deaths as a deeply disturbing tragedy that demands urgent answers, stressing that the victims, though arrested as suspects, were entitled to humane treatment and protection under the law.

According to him, every person in government custody remains the responsibility of the state, regardless of the allegations against them.

“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course,” he said.

Obi expressed concern that such a large number of people could die within a detention facility in a short period, noting that Nigerians deserve to know the truth behind the incident.

He said reports pointing to possible disease outbreak, overcrowding and poor ventilation should be thoroughly examined through a credible and independent investigation.

“While investigations are ongoing into the actual cause of these deaths, including reports concerning disease, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation, Nigerians deserve a transparent, independent, and credible investigation that establishes exactly what happened,” he stated.

The former Anambra State governor said the tragedy should serve as a reminder that security goes beyond making arrests, insisting that protecting lives and preserving the dignity of citizens are fundamental responsibilities of government institutions.

“This tragedy also reminds us that security is not merely about arresting people. Security is about protecting lives, upholding the dignity of every citizen, and ensuring that the institutions entrusted with our safety operate within the law,” Obi added.

He warned that no nation can claim to value human life if people enter government custody alive but fail to come out alive without immediate and credible accountability.

Obi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and urge the authorities to ensure that justice is done. Nigeria must become a country where the rule of law protects every citizen, not only those who are free but also those who are in custody,” he said.

The deaths of the 37 detainees have triggered nationwide concern and renewed calls for reforms in the management of detention facilities. The Federal Government has already ordered an investigation into the incident, while the officers on duty have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.