Femi Falana Demands Immediate Prosecution Over Custodial Deaths of 37 Miners in Niger State

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has thrown his weight behind calls for full criminal accountability following the tragic deaths of 37 individuals in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Reacting to the incident, Falana insisted that the mere suspension of the state commandant and indicted officers by the Ministry of Interior does not go far enough. He maintained that true justice requires immediate, transparent prosecution in a court of law to hold every culpable individual personally responsible for the loss of lives in a state facility.

The senior lawyer underscored that detaining suspects—regardless of the gravity of the underlying allegations, such as illegal mining—does not strip them of their constitutional right to life, dignity, and humane treatment. He pointed out that allowing such grave violations to pass without criminal sanctions sets a dangerous precedent for law enforcement ethics.

“Administrative disciplinary measures like suspensions are a starting point, but they cannot replace the full force of criminal prosecution,” Falana stated. “Those who turned a holding facility into a death trap must face trial for professional negligence and manslaughter.”

Furthermore, Falana called on the federal government to ensure that the families of the deceased victims receive prompt and substantial financial compensation. He also urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and oversight judicial officers to expand routine inspections across security detention centers nationwide to weed out overcrowding, abuse, and systemic neglect.