Deaths in Nigerian detention cell were entirely preventable, inquiry finds
A Nigerian investigative committee has concluded that the deaths of detainees held in a cell were entirely preventable. Officers found responsible face suspension and possible legal action.
An investigative committee in Nigeria has concluded that the deaths of detainees in a holding cell were entirely preventable. The case stems from a raid on miners, whose detainees were then held in an overcrowded cell. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said those responsible would face the full force of the law.
What the committee found
The committee established that the raid on the miners was carried out without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the Mining Marshals Unit.
Fifty detainees were held in a cell of roughly 20 square metres. It had no running water or working toilet, and food, drinking water and airflow were inadequate. Adults and minors were held together, and some detainees were kept beyond the lawful detention period.
According to the committee, officers ignored repeated calls for help, even though a medical worker had raised concerns about the conditions. The head of the investigating team, Jonathan Kure, said detainees repeatedly banged on the cell doors and walls, shouted for help and begged for water. Officers on nearby duties heard the cries but did not act. He said the conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Consequences and compensation
The minister added that the detention hall had been cleaned before investigators arrived, raising concerns about possible attempts to tamper with evidence. The officers implicated will be suspended, and the report will be passed to the attorney general of the federation for further legal action.
The committee also recommended compensation of 30 million naira (£16,683; $22,285) for each bereaved family and 10 million naira for each survivor.
