The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has accused the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, of pursuing what it described as a biased and selective investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada, insisting that the focus of the case has shifted from uncovering those responsible for the officer’s killing to the arrest and prosecution of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Executive Director of the NCSCN, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the entire matter, saying only a comprehensive probe supervised by relevant federal oversight institutions would restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The NCSCN’s intervention follows allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that CSP Oyewumi assisted Chinese nationals facing trial over alleged illegal mining to evade prosecution. The Mining Marshals alleged that he helped two suspects escape through the Nigeria-Cameroon border and was planning to facilitate another defendant’s escape before his arrest in Abuja.

However, the NCSCN questioned the direction of the investigation, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death should remain the central issue.

“Our intervention is neither to defend nor indict any individual or institution. Rather, it is to ensure that investigations are conducted professionally, fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” Akinlosotu said.

According to the council, information available to it suggested that Agada died during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy allegedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. It also noted claims that the ammunition allegedly used in the shooting may have been traced to the NSCDC armoury, although it said it could not independently verify the allegation.

“These allegations are far too serious to be ignored. Whether ultimately established or disproved, they require a comprehensive and independent investigation capable of commanding public confidence,” the council stated.

The NCSCN expressed concern that attention appeared to have shifted from investigating Agada’s death to pursuing allegations against Oyewumi.

“The death of Officer Agada is the central issue. Any investigation into other persons, no matter how significant, must not replace or overshadow the search for those responsible for his death,” it said.

The council also raised fresh concerns over the conduct of the search carried out at Oyewumi’s residence by NSCDC Mining Marshals.

According to the NCSCN, information available to it indicated that the officers were specifically searching for the police case file relating to the investigation and any evidence that could expose attempts to cover up the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death.

“It has been alleged that the officers who broke into the residence of CSP Oyewumi were specifically searching for the case file and other materials connected to the investigation. They reportedly broke the ceiling and searched virtually every part of the house where they believed documents or evidence could have been concealed,” the council said.

The council further alleged that the officers confiscated Oyewumi’s mobile phone during the operation.

According to the NCSCN, the phone allegedly contained recorded conversations and confessional materials from individuals who had linked certain persons to an alleged cover-up surrounding the investigation into Agada’s death.

“We have also received allegations that the officers seized the CSP’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained conversations and confessional evidence from persons allegedly linking certain individuals to attempts to suppress or cover up aspects of the investigation. These claims deserve independent scrutiny because, if true, they could have significant implications for the integrity of the investigation,” the council said.

The NCSCN urged investigators to establish whether all constitutional and statutory procedures were followed during the search and seizure and whether any potentially relevant electronic evidence was lawfully handled.

The council also questioned the basis upon which Oyewumi was accused of aiding illegal miners.

According to the NCSCN, information available to it indicated that the Chinese nationals at the centre of the controversy were in possession of valid mining licences issued by the appropriate government authorities.

“The legal status of the mining operations must be determined through verified records from the relevant regulatory agencies. If the individuals being described as illegal miners were indeed operating under valid mining certificates or licences, that fact must form part of any fair and objective investigation. Allegations should not replace documentary evidence,” the council said.

It also demanded answers from the Mining Marshals over the investigation into Agada’s death.

“First, what is the status of the investigation into Officer Agada’s death? Have those directly responsible been identified? Have any arrests been made? Has the investigation progressed to prosecution?” the council asked.

It further questioned whether autopsy findings, ballistic examinations and other forensic analyses had been completed and forwarded to prosecuting authorities.

The council also demanded clarification on the evidence underpinning the allegations against Oyewumi.

“If allegations emerged implicating CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi or any other individual, what evidence informed those allegations? Were they supported by documentary records, electronic communications, witness statements, forensic evidence or other verifiable materials? Accountability should always be evidence-based,” it stated.

The NCSCN further called for an investigation into allegations that officials of the NSCDC Mining Marshals had prevented other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites, thereby limiting independent oversight.

It also referenced allegations that a senior Mining Marshal led a midnight operation at the residence of a Chief Superintendent of Police during which property was allegedly damaged and valuables taken, while also seeking clarification over reports that the same officer allegedly failed to honour an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.

The council urged all security agencies to avoid institutional rivalry capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.

“Accordingly, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria calls for an independent review of the entire matter under the supervision of the appropriate federal oversight institutions. Such a review should examine the circumstances surrounding Officer Agada’s death, the subsequent investigative actions, and any allegations of obstruction, misconduct, abuse of process or other unlawful conduct, wherever the evidence may lead,” the statement said.

The council maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable irrespective of rank or agency, while insisting that every accused person remained entitled to fair hearing and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.