Deaths in detention cells in Nigeria were entirely preventable, inquiry finds
Summary
An inquiry found that 33 detainees who died in custody in Minna, Nigeria, on 17 September suffered acute respiratory failure linked to overcrowding, heat stress and dehydration. It said officers failed to respond to pleas for help and that the deaths were preventable; evidence did not support claims of a disease outbreak.Key Facts
- The detainees were held on suspicion of illegal mining, but the inquiry found the mining sites were licensed.
- Fifty people were held in a cell of about 20 square metres with no running water or working toilet and inadequate food, water and ventilation.
- Adults and minors were held together, and some detainees were kept beyond lawful detention periods.
- The raid took place without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the Mining Marshals Unit.
- The inquiry said officers heard detainees calling and pleading for water but did not respond.
- Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said implicated officers would face suspension and that the report would go to the attorney general for further legal action.
- The committee recommended compensation of 30 million naira for each bereaved family and 10 million naira for each survivor.
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