The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has assured the families of detainees who died in the Corps’ custody in Niger State that no officer found culpable in the incident will be shielded from justice.
Audi gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, as well as the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
The visit came as the Federal Government continues its investigation into the deaths, with the Presidency having constituted a high-powered committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine responsibility.
The NSCDC boss, who personally met with the affected families, expressed condolences over the deaths and acknowledged the grief suffered by the families and the wider community.
He pledged that the Corps would cooperate fully with the presidential investigative committee, stressing that justice and transparency would take precedence over institutional considerations.
Audi said relevant NSCDC personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability to investigators and facilitate an unhindered investigation.
“The Corps will not shield anyone found culpable,” the NSCDC chief assured the families, according to a statement by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi.
The development marks a further step by the Corps to demonstrate cooperation with the federal investigation into the controversial deaths in custody.
Audi also used the visit to participate in the third- and seventh-day prayers for the deceased, noting the cultural and spiritual importance of the observances to the bereaved Muslim families.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families as they mourned their loss.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna expressed appreciation to the NSCDC commandant-general for personally visiting the community and identifying with the families during their period of mourning.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the administrative measures taken by the Corps and Audi’s assurance of cooperation with the presidential investigative committee.
The NSCDC said the visit was intended not only as a condolence gesture but also as an opportunity to reassure the affected families and the public that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be subjected to investigation.
The Corps maintained that all relevant personnel and records would be made available to the presidential panel as it works to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
