Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Attorneys-General of Niger and Ondo states to ensure the prosecution of anyone found responsible for two separate incidents that have left at least 85 people dead.
Falana made the call in a statement on Sunday, urging the Niger State Attorney-General, Nasiru Mu’azu, to ensure a speedy investigation into the deaths of 37 suspects detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over alleged illegal mining.
The 37 detainees were found dead at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna, two days after more than 50 people were reportedly arrested during raids on suspected illegal mining sites.
The NSCDC had said the detainees were undergoing profiling and documentation when the deaths occurred.
Falana called for anyone found culpable after the investigation to be prosecuted by the Niger State Ministry of Justice.
He also urged authorities to ensure that detention facilities comply with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
Falana recalled a 1980 incident in Lagos in which about 50 suspects reportedly died after being locked inside a police transport van, popularly known as a “Black Maria”, at the premises of the Tinubu Magistrate Court.
He said the Niger deaths highlighted longstanding concerns about overcrowding and poor conditions in detention facilities.
Falana seeks prosecution over Ondo deaths
Falana also called on the Ondo State Attorney-General, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, to prosecute anyone found responsible for deaths linked to a mass illness outbreak involving locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported 182 cases and 48 deaths as of September 17, 2026. Five victims were reportedly rendered totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.
NAFDAC said affected communities included New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu recording the highest number of cases.
The agency also said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the production, sale and distribution of the suspected toxic beverages.
Preliminary laboratory findings reported by NAFDAC indicated high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
Falana urged the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to take over the case and prosecute suspects found culpable.
He said criminal accountability should follow investigations into both incidents, while authorities should take steps to prevent similar deaths in detention facilities and communities.
Falana’s calls come as investigations into both incidents continue. In Niger State, the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths, while officers linked to the incident have reportedly been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
