The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, has visited the Emir of Minna and families of detainees who died in custody in Niger State, assuring them that no officer found culpable will be shielded and that the Corps will fully cooperate with the presidential investigation into the incident.
Audi gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, as well as to the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
The visit comes as the Federal Government intensifies investigation into the incident, with the Presidency having constituted a high-powered committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility.
The NSCDC boss, who personally met with the affected families, expressed condolences over the deaths and acknowledged the grief suffered by the families and the wider community.
He pledged that the Corps would cooperate fully with the presidential investigative committee, stressing that justice and transparency would take precedence over institutional considerations.
Audi disclosed that relevant NSCDC personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability to investigators and guarantee an unhindered probe.
“The Corps will not shield anyone found culpable,” Audi assured the families, according to a statement by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi.
The Corps said the condolence visit was part of efforts to demonstrate openness and cooperation with the federal investigation into the controversial deaths in custody.
Audi also participated in the third and seventh-day prayers for the deceased, noting the cultural and spiritual importance of the observances to the bereaved Muslim families.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families in their period of mourning.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna thanked the NSCDC Commandant-General for personally visiting the community and identifying with the families in their moment of grief.
The traditional ruler also acknowledged the administrative measures taken by the Corps and Audi’s assurance of cooperation with the presidential investigative committee.
The NSCDC maintained that all relevant personnel and records would be made available to the presidential panel as it works to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
