By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Independent Committee of Inquiry investigating the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, began its sittings after members were sworn in and held their inaugural meeting.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the committee’s Secretary, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN.
Chiroma said the committee had adopted a work plan to guide its investigation and establish the facts surrounding the reported deaths.
“The Committee held its inaugural meeting immediately after being sworn in and adopted a work plan to guide the conduct of its investigation,” he said.
According to him, the committee would visit relevant sites as part of efforts to establish what happened and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It would also engage relevant government agencies and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.
The committee is expected to obtain documents and other relevant materials that could assist in establishing the full facts of the matter.
Chiroma also disclosed that the committee’s medical team had commenced work to determine the “cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths.”
The investigation follows reports of the deaths of 37 persons while in NSCDC custody, with the committee mandated to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee also appealed to members of the public to support its work, announcing plans to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations.
It said details on the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated in due course.
Chiroma assured that the inquiry would be conducted transparently and based on evidence.
He said the committee “reaffirms its commitment to conducting a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry” and would keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.