Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for accountability and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the recent deaths recorded in Niger and Ondo states.
The development comes amid two separate incidents that have raised concerns over public safety, regulatory enforcement and the protection of human life.
In Niger State, 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna. The detainees had been arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially said the deaths may have been linked to a suspected disease outbreak, but the actual cause remains subject to investigation.
The deaths have prompted investigations by the police, Niger State Government and federal authorities. The state government has established a committee of inquiry and ordered autopsies, while the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Minna and pledged a thorough investigation.
President Bola Tinubu has also ordered a full investigation into the incident, with the Federal Government saying anyone found culpable should face the consequences of the law.
The second incident occurred in Ondo State, where an outbreak linked to locally produced alcoholic and herbal drinks has resulted in dozens of deaths. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on September 19 that 48 people had died among 182 reported cases.
Laboratory analysis of samples from the affected communities found high concentrations of methanol, a toxic substance capable of causing severe poisoning, blindness, organ failure and death. NAFDAC said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated drinks, while further testing and investigation were continuing.
The Ondo deaths were initially reported at a lower figure, with authorities investigating the circumstances and warning residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic or herbal preparations. The subsequent laboratory findings provided evidence linking the outbreak to methanol contamination, although investigations into the individuals and activities responsible remain ongoing.
Falana’s call for prosecution therefore comes as authorities in both states pursue separate investigations. Any prosecution would depend on investigators establishing evidence of criminal responsibility and the appropriate prosecuting authorities bringing charges.
The developments have renewed questions about accountability when deaths occur either in government custody or following the distribution of potentially dangerous consumer products.
In the Niger case, investigations are expected to establish what happened to the detainees while they were under NSCDC custody and whether any officials or other persons should bear criminal responsibility. In Ondo, authorities are investigating the production and distribution chain behind the contaminated drinks.
The cases remain at the investigation stage, and no individual should be treated as guilty unless established through due process of law.