Agada’s Death: NSCDC Clears Mining Commander, Dismisses Two Officers Over Firearms Supply -

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially cleared the Commander of its Mining Marshals unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, of allegations linking him to the alleged diversion of ₦2 billion and a cover-up surrounding the death of an operative, Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Levi Agada.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commandant-General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, through the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.

According to the statement, a comprehensive internal investigation conducted by the Corps found no evidence implicating Onoja, the lead prosecutor, or any member of the Mining Marshals management team in the allegations.

“The claims suggesting their involvement were found to be false and without factual basis,” the statement noted.

The clarification follows months of controversy surrounding the death of DSC Levi Agada during an operation at a mining site in Nasarawa State, alongside accusations of financial misconduct within the unit.

Onoja had consistently denied the allegations, describing them as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine the operations of the Mining Marshals in combating illegal mining activities.

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Meanwhile, the NSCDC announced disciplinary actions against 79 personnel for various forms of misconduct.

Notably, two operatives from the Mining Marshals unit were dismissed from service for unlawfully supplying firearms to illegal miners.

The Corps confirmed that the dismissed officers have also been recommended for prosecution in line with existing laws.

Despite the NSCDC’s findings, it is worth noting that earlier reports had linked Onoja to the incident, as investigations by the police had reportedly pointed in his direction.

The latest development, however, marks a significant turn in the case, as the Corps maintains that its internal findings have exonerated the Mining Marshals commander and his team