PRAWA urges probe into deaths of 37 NSCDC detainees

The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for an independent and thorough investigation into the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the NSCDC in Niger State.

PRAWA made the call in a statement by its Communications Manager, Nnadozie Onwurah, made available to the news reporters in Abuja on Saturday.

Onwurah expressed concern over the reported deaths and called for justice and accountability.

Newsmen report that the deceased were reportedly among persons arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the state on Sept. 15 and 16, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Newsmen also report that the deaths were however, reportedly discovered on Sept. 17.

While expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the PRAWA communication manager emphasised that death in custody should be a matter of grave public concern.

He noted that when a person was arrested and deprived of liberty, the state assumed heightened responsibility for the person’s safety, dignity and well-being.

“Detention does not extinguish fundamental rights,” he stressed.

Onwurah however acknowledged the legitimate responsibility of security agencies to enforce the law and protect communities, adding that allegations of illegal activity could not diminish the state’s responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of persons in custody.

He added that information provided by survivors had raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly the alleged conditions at the detention facility.

“The allegations include extreme overcrowding, difficulty in breathing, inadequate ventilation, severe heat and lack of access to water.

“The allegations require prompt, independent and thorough investigation and PRAWA welcomes steps already taken by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other authorities.

“We urge that the investigation be independent, transparent and unhindered, and capable of establishing the facts surrounding the deaths,” he said.

The communication manager noted that the outcome would help determine whether the incident was isolated or indicative of systemic problems requiring attention.

According to him, this is not only in NSCDC detention facilities but in all Places of Deprivation of Liberty (PDLs) across the country.

He referenced the concluding observations of the UN Committee Against Torture on Nigeria, which he said had expressed concerns over poor detention conditions, inadequate medical care, insufficient food and water, overcrowding and the lack of reliable information on deaths in custody.

“The committee specifically called for all deaths in custody to be promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigated, including through independent forensic examination,” he said.

Onwurah also cited the Global Torture Index 2026, produced by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), which he said classified Nigeria as “High Risk” for torture and ill-treatment.

He said the Minna incident provided an opportunity to examine compliance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, applicable laws and subsidiary legislation, as well as regional and international conventions to which Nigeria was a signatory.

He therefore called for determination of the individual causes and circumstances of the deaths, examination of possible state responsibility and identification of systemic failures.

He further appealed for protection for witnesses, disclosure of investigation findings, prosecution and appropriate remedies where violations were established.

He also called for support for affected families and survivors, including access to information and psychosocial assistance while the investigation was ongoing.

“PRAWA also urge authorities to safeguard the rights of survivors and families and ensure that accountability and justice are served if misconduct or negligence was established,” he said.

Onwurah added that findings from the investigation should be used to prevent similar occurrences in all Places of Deprivation of Liberty in Nigeria.

He said the organisation would closely monitor developments surrounding the incident and the outcome of the investigation.

He reaffirmed PRAWA’s commitment to promoting a humane and secure society that corrected and empowered people to prevent crime, violence and torture.

“Our organisation remain committed to institutional reforms that promote access to justice, rehabilitation and social development for inmates, ex-inmates, torture victims and youths at risk.