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Activist Demands Independent Probe Into Deaths of 37 Suspected Miners in NSCDC Custody

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A human rights activist and lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani, has demanded an immediate independent investigation into the reported deaths of at least 37 suspected artisanal miners, including teenagers, while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Dantani, in a statement, said he was raising the concern as a human rights activist and lawyer committed to the rule of law, constitutional rights, human dignity and the protection of life.
According to him, the victims were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, over allegations of illegal mining.
He said irrespective of the allegations against them, the suspects remained innocent until proven guilty and were entitled to the protection of their lives, dignity and other fundamental rights while in state custody.
Dantani described the circumstances surrounding the deaths as disturbing and said they required an investigation that was independent, impartial, transparent and capable of establishing individual and institutional responsibility.
He expressed concern over the reported constitution of an internal investigative committee by the NSCDC to investigate the deaths, arguing that the issue was not only about the statutory investigative powers of the corps but also about independence and public confidence.
According to him, “An institution investigating deaths allegedly connected to its own officers cannot reasonably be the only body responsible for determining whether its officers were culpable.”
He added: “An institution should not be allowed to investigate itself exclusively where its personnel may themselves be subjects of the investigation.”
The activist called on the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Umar Bago, and the Federal Government to immediately constitute an independent investigative panel comprising the Nigeria Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, independent forensic and medical experts, relevant justice authorities and representatives of the victims’ families.
Dantani said the investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of each victim, the exact cause and manner of each death, the condition of the detention facilities and whether the detainees were subjected to torture, assault, excessive force or degrading treatment.
He also demanded that the investigation determine whether adequate medical attention was provided, the identities and roles of all officers involved, whether any officer failed to prevent or respond to the deaths, and whether there were demands for money or other forms of extortion.
He further called for an investigation into whether any attempt was made to conceal, destroy or manipulate evidence and whether criminal, disciplinary or command responsibility arose from the incident.
Dantani also demanded the immediate suspension of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC pending the conclusion of an independent investigation.
He clarified that the demand was not a declaration that the Commandant-General personally caused the deaths.
According to him, the suspension should be an administrative measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that there was no reasonable perception of interference or conflict of interest.
“The suspension should be viewed as an administrative measure to protect the investigation’s integrity, not as a declaration of guilt,” he said.
Dantani said the investigation must not be limited to identifying officers who were physically present at the detention facility.
He said it should also examine command responsibility, including whether superior officers knew, ought reasonably to have known, authorised, permitted or failed to prevent unlawful treatment, dangerous detention conditions, torture, extortion, neglect or other misconduct.
The activist further said that if the evidence established murder, unlawful killing, torture, assault, criminal negligence, extortion, intimidation, obstruction of justice or any other offence, the perpetrators and all persons found legally responsible must be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law, irrespective of their rank, position or uniform.
Dantani said, “A person arrested for suspected illegal mining does not stop being human. A suspect is not a convict. No allegation of illegal mining can justify torture, degrading treatment, unlawful deprivation of life or any other violation of fundamental rights.”
He added: “The government cannot enforce the law by permitting violations of the law.”
According to him, “The deaths of 37 Nigerians cannot be reduced to an internal administrative exercise. Their families deserve answers. The public deserves transparency. The victims deserve justice.”
Dantani therefore demanded an independent investigation, full forensic examination, investigation of all allegations of extortion and threats, protection for witnesses and victims’ families, suspension of the NSCDC Commandant-General pending investigation, prosecution of any person found criminally responsible and full accountability regardless of rank or institution.
“Thirty-seven lives demand more than condolences. They demand truth, justice and accountability,” he said.

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Industrialist Lauds Kwara Gov Over Conferment Of Sardauna Title

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A renowned industrialist, Dr Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, has felicitated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, describing the traditional title as a worthy recognition of his selfless service and humility.

In his congratulatory message, the Industrialist, who is the Group Managing Director of Kam Holding Limited, commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding the Governor worthy of the covetous title, adding that he had witnessed how AbdulRazaq administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise have created an environment where business and community life co-exist.

Yusuf recalled that the traditional title is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq has exemplified what it requires to be conferred with the title.

While appreciating the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for gracing the conferment ceremony, the industrialist said the VP’s presence underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward Kwara.

“It gives me immense personal joy and pride to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your royal turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), on this Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

“This historic title is a fitting recognition of your selfless service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Kwara State. As an individual operating closely within Kwara’s industrial landscape and beyond through our globally recognised company, KAM Holding Ltd, I have witnessed firsthand how your administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise has created an environment where business and community life can thrive together.

“The title of Sardauna is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, and you have proven to be just that.

“I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), who honours our state by representing His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at this grand event. Your presence in Ilorin, Vice President Shettima, underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward our state and adds great prestige to this milestone,” the congratulatory message read in part.

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KWSG Hails Foundation Over Skills Acquisition For Vulnerable People

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade has commended the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) for the successful completion of its 14-day Vocational Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Training for 20 vulnerable people, noting that the technical support by the organisation showed its commitment to the well-being of the less privileged people in the society.

The Commissioner gave the commendation at the end of the training held at the Adolescent Friendly Center Facility, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.

The Commissioner stated that the recovery process of survivors goes beyond immediate care and protection to include economic empowerment, skills acquisition and providing opportunities that would enable the beneficiaries to become independent and productive members of the society, adding that “the training represents an important step towards turning vulnerability into strength and creating a pathway to sustainable livelihoods”.

Chief (Mrs) Afolashade encouraged the participants to put the skills acquired into productive use and embrace every opportunity available to them to achieve their goals.

The Coordinator for the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), Dr Omotayo Oyerinde, said the training was meant to impact the lives of survivors and provide them with the skills needed to overcome life’s challenges.

The participants appreciated the RHHF for the training and pledged to continue to utilize the skills acquired for the betterment of their lives and development of the society.

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ASOHON Disowns Illegal Orphanage Home In Kwara

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

As Govt Begins Rehabilitation Of 30 Rescued Children

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, has disowned the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, where 30 children were rescued by the state government, saying the facility was neither registered with the association nor known to it.

ASOHON, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Dr Mrs Omolehin Christie and the secretary, Ayub AbdulGaniy, said its members operated only recognised and approved homes and distanced itself from the facility a day after the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development carried out the rescue operation.

“The illegal orphanage recently detected by government officials, where 30 children were rescued, is not a registered member of our association and is not known to us,” the association stated.

The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, were rescued from the unapproved facility in Ilorin on Thursday following concerns about their welfare and living conditions.

ASOHON said registered operators in the state were expected to comply with the rules and regulations governing the operation of childcare facilities.

“ASOHON Kwara State operates only recognised, registered, and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development,” it said.

The association further condemned the operation of unapproved homes, saying children in such facilities could be exposed to abuse, neglect and other forms of danger.

“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children,” ASOHON stated.

The association also commended the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, and officials of the ministry for their prompt intervention.

“We commend and sincerely thank the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Social Development and her dedicated staff for their prompt action and commitment to child protection in Kwara State,” the association said.

ASOHON said it would continue to collaborate with the ministry to ensure that children in the state are protected and adequately cared for.

“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has commenced the post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of the 30 children, who have been moved to a government-approved shelter.

The Ministry of Social Development said the children were receiving proper care, medical attention, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling as officials assessed their immediate and long-term needs.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children while determining their health, educational and family circumstances.

“The children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate,” the commissioner said.

She explained that children who could not be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities after proper documentation, assessment and follow-up.

Imam also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions operating in Kwara State to ensure that they were duly registered and approved by the ministry.

She directed approved facilities to prominently display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government,” on their signposts to enable members of the public identify facilities authorised to operate.

The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had reinforced the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders involved in child protection.

“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives,” Abdulfatah said.

The ministry said efforts were ongoing to trace the families of the rescued children and determine appropriate care arrangements for those who could not be reunited with their relatives.