Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Attorneys-General of Niger and Ondo states to ensure the prosecution of suspects linked to separate incidents that led to the deaths of scores of Nigerians in custody and through a suspected toxic outbreak.

Falana urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Mr. Nasiru Mu’azu, to direct a thorough investigation into the death of 37 detainees who were held by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over alleged illegal mining activities.

The victims were reportedly arrested in a village near Borgu, Niger State, last week. However, two days after their arrest, 37 of the suspects were found dead in the NSCDC detention facility, with preliminary accounts attributing the deaths to overcrowding and poor ventilation.

Confirming the development, NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said more than 50 suspects had been arrested but had yet to be formally charged, as profiling and documentation were ongoing.

However, reacting to the incidents, Falana called for a prompt investigation by the state police command and the immediate prosecution of any officials found culpable, stressing that the incident underscored the persistent problem of inhumane detention conditions across the country.

He recalled a similar tragedy in 1980, when about 50 suspects suffocated in a police transport van, popularly known as “Black Maria,” at the Tinubu Magistrate Court in Lagos, noting that such incidents have continued despite public outcry.

Falana also criticised what he described as systemic inequality in detention practices, alleging that while affluent suspects are often treated differently, less privileged detainees are subjected to overcrowded and poorly ventilated cells.

He further urged the government to ensure that detention facilities across Nigeria comply with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

In a related development, Falana called on the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), to take over and prosecute suspects arrested in connection with a deadly outbreak linked to suspected contaminated local beverages.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had confirmed that 48 persons died out of 182 reported cases following the consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal mixtures in parts of Ondo State.

According to the agency, the outbreak affected several communities, including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with the highest number of cases recorded in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area.

NAFDAC also disclosed that five persons were rendered totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness after consuming the suspected toxic substances.

The agency added that the incident had spread to parts of Irele Local Government Area, noting that investigations were ongoing and figures remained subject to verification.

While confirming that 15 persons had been arrested in connection with the production, sale and distribution of the suspected poisonous drinks, Falana urged the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to ensure diligent prosecution of all those implicated.

He maintained that holding those responsible accountable in both incidents would serve as a deterrent and help strengthen public confidence in the justice system.