33 detainees died in overcrowded Nigerian cell, inquiry finds

Thirty-three people held on suspicion of illegal mining were found dead on 17 September inside a detention cell in Nigeria's Minna state. They were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Investigators later determined that the mining sites they had been detained over were licensed.

An inquiry released this week found the deaths came from a cell measuring about 20 square metres holding 50 people, with no running water, no functioning toilet, inadequate food, inadequate drinking water and poor airflow. Adults and minors were held together. Some detainees were kept past lawful detention periods.

Forensic and medical evidence pointed to acute respiratory failure after prolonged confinement, made worse by heat stress and dehydration. The evidence did not support initial claims of a disease outbreak. The raid that led to the detentions was carried out without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the Mining Marshals Unit, the committee found.

Jonathan Kure, who led the investigating team, said detainees banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and pleaded for water. He said officers assigned to nearby duties heard those calls but did not act on them. A medical worker had also raised concerns about the conditions. Kure said the conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the detention hall had been cleaned before investigators arrived, which he said raised concerns about possible attempts to compromise evidence. He said implicated officers would face suspension and that the report would go to the attorney general of the federation for further legal action.

The committee recommended 30m naira for each bereaved family, about $22,285, and 10m naira for each survivor. Tunji-Ojo said those found responsible would face the full force of the law.