On 16 June, 37 men who were detained by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State died while in custody. The men were described by the authorities as suspected illegal gold miners, a label Amnesty International says is prejudicial because the men were not alive to defend themselves.
Survivors of the detention have recounted the conditions inside the cell. One survivor said that 17 people were initially locked into a small room before additional detainees were brought in. The detainees complained that the room was too small and that the heat was intense, yet they were kept there.
He also alleged that an unidentified substance, described as resembling perfume, was sprayed inside the room. The survivor’s testimony was reported by the Daily Post and later relayed to Arise News.
Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International, said that the cell was designed to accommodate no more than 10 people, yet 67 were detained there. He noted that between Tuesday 15 June and Wednesday 16 June, Minna was experiencing extremely hot weather. “These are serious human rights issues that we need to be talking about, particularly the decision to detain 67 people in a facility meant to accommodate no more than 10,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International’s investigation highlights the need for a thorough review of the NSCDC’s detention practices in Niger State. The incident was first reported by the Daily Post Nigeria.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>