Survivors’ Chemical Spray Claims Unproven%

The unbiased ministerial committee investigatng the Niger custody deaths of 33 individuals within the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, has stated allegations by some survivors {that a} chemical or aerosol substance was sprayed into their detention cell earlier than the deaths couldn’t be substantiated by the out there proof.

Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja whereas presenting the panel’s report back to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the committee, some survivors alleged that an aerosol substance had been launched into the cell earlier than the incident, however investigators discovered no proof to assist the declare.

The report said that the allegation remained unproven based mostly on the proof out there to the panel.

The committee, nevertheless, attributed the deaths to acute respiratory failure in keeping with environmental asphyxia, ensuing from extended confinement in a severely overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell.

It recognized excessive warmth, dehydration and insufficient air flow because the principal contributing components.

The panel stated roughly 50 male detainees have been confined in a cell measuring about 20 sq. metres, with insufficient airflow, no operating water and no functioning bathroom.

It additionally established that detainees repeatedly referred to as for assist, banged on the cell doorways and partitions, and pleaded for water as circumstances deteriorated in the course of the evening of September 16, 2026.

The committee stated the misery indicators have been heard by officers assigned to close by duties, however well timed intervention was not offered.

The deaths occurred between the night of September 16 and the morning of September 17, 2026, in line with the report.

The panel authenticated 33 fatalities and recognized 41 survivors. Fourteen of the deceased have been minors.

Only three of the deceased underwent autopsy examinations as a result of the remaining 30 had already been buried earlier than the committee’s medical group arrived.

Although the restricted variety of autopsy examinations constrained the investigation, the committee stated the frequent setting, timing and circumstances surrounding the incident supported its conclusion that environmental asphyxia was the almost certainly mechanism accountable for the deaths.

It added that the out there proof didn’t assist claims {that a} illness outbreak brought on the fatalities.

The committee additionally reported that the detention space had been cleaned, disinfected and altered earlier than unbiased forensic investigators arrived, affecting points of the forensic evaluation.

It really helpful accountability for officers whose actions or omissions contributed to the tragedy, in addition to reforms to detention administration, emergency response and unbiased custodial oversight.

The panel stated the findings underscored the necessity for immediate medical intervention every time detainees present indicators of respiratory misery or different life-threatening circumstances.