The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons arrested over alleged illegal mining and held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement expressing sadness and grave concern over the incident, the association said the deceased were entitled to the protection of the law and the preservation of their lives and human dignity, regardless of the allegations against them.
Reports emerged in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, that several detainees had died. While Reuters reported that 33 bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna mortuary, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, subsequently confirmed the death toll at 37.
The NBA extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the people and government of Niger State, while wishing survivors a full recovery from the traumatic experience.
“Thirty-seven lives have been lost. Thirty-seven families are grieving,” the association said, stressing that the victims entered NSCDC custody alive and were entitled to legal protection.
The association said it had deliberately refrained from making an immediate pronouncement on the cause or circumstances of the deaths, insisting that conclusions should not be reached ahead of the evidence.
It, however, warned that its restraint should not be mistaken for indifference, describing the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of a government agency as an incident of the utmost gravity.
The NBA said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy demand a credible investigation capable of establishing what happened and ensuring accountability.
It maintained that the rule of law requires that the facts be established transparently, particularly where the lives of persons held in state custody are concerned.
