Deaths of 33 detainees in Nigeria's Minna were entirely preventable, inquiry finds overcrowding and neglect

An inquiry into the deaths of 33 detainees in Nigeria's Minna state has found they died as a result of severe overcrowding, poor ventilation and a failure by officers to respond to distress calls.

Forensic and medical evidence showed the entirely preventable deaths resulted from acute respiratory failure linked to prolonged confinement, aggravated by heat stress and dehydration.

The evidence did not support initial claims of a disease outbreak, the inquiry found.

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

The investigating committee said 50 detainees had been held in a cell measuring about 20 square metres, 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, the committee said.

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

"Detainees repeatedly banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and pleaded for water," said Jonathan Kure, head of the investigating team. He said those distress calls were heard by officers assigned to nearby duties but were not acted upon.

Officers reportedly ignored repeated calls for help, despite a medical worker having raised concerns about the conditions.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said those found responsible would face the full force of the law. He said implicated officers would face suspension and the report would be forwarded to the attorney general of the federation for further legal action.

The minister added that the detention hall had been cleaned before investigators arrived, raising concerns about possible attempts to compromise evidence.

Kure said the detention conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and that the tragedy demonstrated the consequences of systemic disregard for detention standards, supervisory responsibilities and the welfare of persons in custody.

The committee recommended compensation of 30 million naira for each of the bereaved families and 10 million naira for each survivor. Family members reclaimed the bodies of their relatives from Minna General Hospital last month.