RULAAC Demands Prosecution Of NSCDC Officers Over Deaths Of 33 Detainees -

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the prosecution of officers responsible for the deaths of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The organisation said a Federal Government investigation found that 14 of the deceased detainees were children, raising serious concerns about the treatment of people held in government custody.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC identified overcrowding, poor ventilation, excessive heat, dehydration and failure to respond to pleas for help as factors that contributed to the deaths.

According to the group, about 50 male detainees were kept in a cell measuring only 12 square metres. The detainees reportedly cried out for water and assistance as conditions inside the cell worsened, but their pleas were ignored.

RULAAC stressed that allegations of involvement in illegal mining do not remove a person’s right to life, dignity and humane treatment. It noted that once people are arrested, the government becomes responsible for protecting their lives and ensuring their safety.

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The organisation acknowledged the government’s investigation and the Interior Minister’s commitment to accountability. However, it insisted that authorities must move beyond investigations and prosecute those found culpable, where evidence supports criminal charges.

It urged the Federal Government to release the investigation report, allowing only necessary redactions to protect children, survivors and witnesses. It also called for the government to identify the agencies responsible for implementing the recommendations and provide regular public updates on their progress.

RULAAC further appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure an independent criminal investigation into the incident. It said the inquiry should examine the roles of officers who authorised and supervised the operation, controlled detention conditions or failed to respond to known dangers.

The group also demanded a separate investigation into allegations that the cell was washed, disinfected and renumbered, reportedly in an attempt to destroy evidence. It called for the preservation of custody registers, duty rosters, communications, medical records, photographs and burial documents.

It emphasised that survivors, bereaved families and officers willing to provide evidence must be protected from intimidation.

On compensation, RULAAC urged the government to announce its decision on the committee’s recommendation for ₦1.4 billion in compensation, educational support for dependants, medical and psychological care, and a formal government apology.

The organisation maintained that compensation should not prevent families from pursuing justice. It also called for continued support for survivors and practical assistance for children who lost their caregivers.

RULAAC urged the National Human Rights Commission and other oversight bodies to inspect detention facilities operated by the NSCDC and other agencies. It said unsafe cells should not be used to hold detainees until the identified problems are corrected.

The group also called for enforceable rules on cell occupancy, regular welfare checks, emergency medical response and immediate intervention whenever detainees show signs of distress.

It stressed that children must receive proper age verification and protection, with suitable alternatives to detention considered where appropriate. It also warned that mass arrests must be supported by lawful grounds and adequate arrangements to protect those taken into custody.

RULAAC called on the National Assembly to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and demand public reports on deaths in custody and measures taken to prevent similar incidents.

The organisation insisted that the deaths must not end with another investigation report without meaningful consequences, adding that the families deserve answers, survivors need care and anyone found responsible must face due process.