An independent committee set up by the Federal Government to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially begun its assignment.
The committee commenced its sitting shortly after it was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Ojo, marking the start of what is expected to be a comprehensive investigation into the incident that has drawn national attention.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary of the committee, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN).
According to the statement, members of the committee held their inaugural meeting immediately after the inauguration, where they adopted a work plan that will guide the investigation.
As part of its assignment, the committee said it would visit all relevant locations linked to the incident, engage government agencies, interview survivors, suspects and other persons with useful information, and gather documents and other materials needed to establish the facts.
The statement added that the committee’s medical team has already commenced work to determine the causes, mechanisms and manner of the deaths.
To ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, the committee appealed to members of the public to support its work by providing useful information.
It also resolved to invite memoranda from individuals, organisations and other interested parties that may have relevant evidence or submissions on the incident.
According to the committee, details on how memoranda can be submitted, including the venue and date for physical presentations, will be announced in due course.
The inquiry was constituted by the Federal Government following widespread public concern over the reported deaths of 37 persons while in NSCDC custody. The committee is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine any accountability and make recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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