By Seun Ibiyemi
The independent committee of inquiry investigating the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced its investigation.
The committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, the committee said it held its inaugural meeting immediately after its inauguration and adopted a work plan to guide the investigation.
The committee said it would visit all relevant sites connected to the incident and engage government agencies as part of efforts to establish the facts.
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It will also interview survivors, suspects and other relevant persons, while obtaining necessary documents, records and other materials that could assist the inquiry.
According to the statement, the committee’s medical team has also commenced work to determine the causes, mechanisms and manner of the reported deaths.
The committee urged members of the public to support its work by providing relevant information that could assist the investigation.
It added that memoranda would be invited from interested individuals and organisations wishing to make submissions to the inquiry.
The committee said details concerning the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated to the public in due course.
The inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and provide relevant findings based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
