Deaths in detention cells in Nigeria were entirely preventable, inquiry finds

ByMadina Maishanu, BBC Africa, Reporting fromAbuja and Patrick Jackson.

Key points

• The investigating committee additionally recommended compensation of 30m naira (£16, 683; $22, 285) for each of the bereaved families and 10m naira for each survivor.
• The detainees were discovered dead on 17 September while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on suspicion of illegal mining.
• Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo remarked those identified responsible for the deaths would face the full force of the law.
• Implicated officers will face suspension and the report would be forwarded to the attorney general of the federation for further legal action, Tunji-Ojo remarked.
• "Detainees repeatedly banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and pleaded for water, " remarked the head of the investigating team, Jonathan Kure.

For context, an inquiry into the deaths of 33 detainees in Nigeria's Minna state has discovered they died as of severe overcrowding, poor ventilation and failure by officers to respond to distress calls.

Forensic and medical evidence indicated the "entirely preventable" deaths had resulted from acute respiratory failure linked to prolonged confinement, aggravated by heat stress and dehydration. The evidence did not backing initial claims of a disease outbreak.

Meanwhile, the detainees were discovered dead on 17 September while being held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on suspicion of illegal mining. The investigation discovered that the mining sites had been licensed.

He continued that the detention hall had been cleaned before investigators arrived, raising worries regarding feasible attempts to compromise evidence.

Meanwhile, the investigating committee discovered that the raid on the miners had been conducted without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the Mining Marshals Unit.

It remarked that 50 detainees had been held in a cell measuring concerning 20 sq m, with no running water or functioning toilet, and inadequate food, drinking water and airflow.

Adults and minors were detained together, and some detainees were held beyond lawful detention periods.

Officers reportedly ignored repeated calls for support, despite a medical worker having triggered concern concerning the conditions.

"These distress calls were heard by officers assigned to nearby duties. But were not acted upon."

Kure remarked the detention conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

"The tragedy demonstrates the consequences of systemic disregard for detention standards, supervisory responsibilities and the welfare of persons in custody, " he continued.

For context, the investigating committee additionally recommended compensation of 30m naira (£16, 683; $22, 285) for each of the bereaved families and 10m naira for each survivor.

In short, deaths in detention cells in Nigeria were entirely preventable, inquiry finds is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.