A human rights organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has described the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State as a grave failure of the state’s duty to protect lives.

The organisation, in a statement signed by Ogechi Ogwuma on Friday, said the deceased were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining but had not been tried or convicted and were therefore entitled to the presumption of innocence and protection of their fundamental rights.

Ogwuma said the 37 persons entered the custody of the Nigerian state alive, stressing that the authorities consequently assumed responsibility for their safety and welfare.

She said reports from survivors had raised serious questions about the conditions under which the deceased were detained, including alleged severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat and lack of access to water.

According to the group, survivors reportedly described being packed into a cell under conditions that made it difficult to breathe, with detainees repeatedly calling for help.

It, however, stressed that the allegations must be subjected to a rigorous and independent investigation to establish what happened and determine responsibility.

The organisation welcomed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant but said accountability should extend to every officer who exercised command, custodial, supervisory or welfare responsibilities over the facility during the period in question.

It called for the immediate suspension from custodial duties of all officers directly connected with the arrest, detention, supervision and welfare of the deceased, pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

The group also demanded an immediate, transparent and time-bound investigation beyond an internal NSCDC inquiry.

It said the investigation should examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the number of persons detained, the lawful capacity of the cell, access to water, food, ventilation and medical care, as well as the temperature and physical conditions in the facility.

Ogwuma called for an examination of the response of officers to reports of distress, the timeline and circumstances surrounding each death, and the conduct of every officer responsible for the detainees.

She urged authorities to protect survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.

It added that any officer against whom credible evidence of criminal responsibility emerged should be subjected to criminal investigation and prosecution through due process.

The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate for the protection of the rights and dignity of persons who come into contact with Nigeria’s criminal justice system.