The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the United Nations Special Procedures to investigate the reported deaths of 37 young people allegedly while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The group also called for an independent probe into the reported killing and shooting of protesters during demonstrations in Minna, the state capital.
According to SERAP, at least two protesters were reportedly killed, while several others allegedly sustained serious injuries after security personnel reportedly used live ammunition during the protests.
The demonstrations reportedly followed the deaths of the 37 detainees, some of whom were allegedly arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities.
…Demands Independent Probe
SERAP said the reported use of live ammunition raised concerns over whether security personnel deployed excessive or disproportionate force.
It called for a “prompt, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation” into both the deaths in custody and the alleged shooting of protesters.
The organisation said investigators should establish the causes and manner of death of each detainee, their conditions of detention and how they were treated while in custody.
SERAP also wants authorities to determine whether any of the detainees were subjected to torture, ill-treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse.
…Questions Use of Live Ammunition
On the Minna protests, SERAP said peaceful assembly is protected under international and regional human rights standards.
It argued that even when demonstrations become disorderly, such circumstances do not automatically justify the use of lethal force.
The group urged investigators to determine “exactly how and why firearms and live ammunition were allegedly used” during the protests.
It also called for authorities to establish whether the force used was necessary and proportionate, whether orders were issued authorising the use of live ammunition and whether less-lethal alternatives were available.
..Seeks Preservation Of Evidence
SERAP called for the immediate preservation of evidence that could assist the investigation, including CCTV footage, body-camera recordings, mobile-phone videos, photographs, medical records and detention documents.
It also urged authorities to preserve firearms and ammunition records, radio communications and operational orders.
The organisation further called for the protection of protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, witnesses and relatives of victims from intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest or reprisals.
SERAP urged the UN Special Procedures to seek detailed information from the Nigerian government on the reported deaths, injuries and actions of security personnel.
It said the UN mechanisms should also push for accountability and effective remedies if independent investigations establish that human rights violations occurred.
The allegations in SERAP’s statement remain subject to investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and protest casualties would need to be established through an independent, impartial and transparent process.
