Nigerian probe finds 33 detainees including 14 minors died in overcrowded cell

A Nigerian investigative panel found that 33 people, including 14 minors, died after being detained on suspicion of illegal mining in an overcrowded, poorly ventilated cell in Minna, Niger State. It attributed the deaths to environmental asphyxia and acute respiratory failure, worsened by heat stress and dehydration, and said detainees’ calls for water and help went unanswered. The committee also found that the arrests lacked required authorization and that the detainees were held beyond the legally permitted period. It called for reforms to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and compensation for victims’ families.