Overview
- A 10‑member federal committee concluded on Tuesday that detainees died from asphyxia caused by severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, heat stress and dehydration after being held in a small NSCDC cell in Minna.
- Survivor testimony and forensic work showed prisoners were crammed into the cell, complained for water and help, and said a stinging substance was sprayed before guards did not respond to repeated distress calls.
- The panel verified 33 deaths, including 14 minors, but some reports cited 37 victims, leaving an unresolved discrepancy in casualty figures.
- The committee recommended 30 million naira for each bereaved family and 10 million naira for each survivor, it said senior NSCDC officers have been suspended, and the report was sent to the Attorney‑General for possible prosecution.
- A committee member alleged the detention cell was washed, disinfected and renumbered after the deaths, an unverified claim that deepens concerns about evidence handling and strengthens calls for an institutional overhaul of NSCDC custody practices.