The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the reported deaths of **37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State**.
CDHR views the incident as a grave human-rights concern requiring an immediate, transparent and independent investigation. Whatever offence the deceased persons were suspected of committing, **no citizen should lose the right to life or humane treatment while in state custody**.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to immediately constitute an **independent Judicial Panel of Inquiry** to establish the circumstances and actual causes of the deaths, examine the conditions of detention, identify those responsible, and make its findings public.
CDHR also demands the **immediate investigation and, where evidence establishes reasonable suspicion of criminal responsibility, arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in, responsible for, or who facilitated the deaths**, irrespective of their rank or position.
All relevant records, CCTV footage, medical reports, detention registers and other evidence must be preserved, while witnesses and relatives of the deceased must be protected from intimidation.
The fight against illegal mining must not become a justification for violating fundamental human rights. **Every person in government custody is entitled to life, dignity and due process.**
CDHR extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and demands justice, accountability and appropriate remedies for the victims.
We demand truth. We demand accountability. We demand justice.
**Signed:*
Comrade Debo Adeniran
CDHR President
Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe
National Publicity Secretary CDHR
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