ADC demands probe into deaths of 37 Nigerians in NSCDC custody

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 Nigerians who died in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated these demands in a recent statement.

The ADC insists on independent autopsies, the public release of identities and detention records of the deceased, compensation for their families, and prosecution of any officials found culpable. The party highlighted that the deceased were arrested during raids on mining sites and had retained their constitutional rights to life, dignity, and due process.

ADC claims the deaths are indicative of the Nigerian government's disregard for human life, emphasizing that poverty and unemployment should not be considered capital offenses. They further assert that such actions from the government grant them the right to return citizens' bodies as if they were corpses. ADC also asserts that while poor miners were arrested, those allegedly financing illegal mining and linked to criminal networks were not adequately targeted.

The party urges the Tinubu administration to determine if security agencies are safeguarding citizens and calls for job creation, security, and justice for Nigerians. ADC insists these deaths are part of a larger pattern and reiterates its demand for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 37 deaths.