File photo of Femi Falana, SAN. (Photo: Nebianet Usaini/Channels Television)
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Attorneys-General of Niger and Ondo states to prosecute anyone found responsible for the deaths recorded in two separate incidents.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, Falana urged the Niger State Attorney-General, Nasiru Mu’azu, to ensure a swift investigation into the deaths of 37 suspects detained by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over alleged illegal mining activities.
The suspects were reportedly found dead at a detention facility in Niger State two days after their arrest. The NSCDC had earlier said that more than 50 people were arrested and subjected to profiling and documentation.
Falana attributed the deaths to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility, urging authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable.
He also called for strict compliance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
The human rights lawyer recalled a similar incident in Lagos in 1980, when 50 suspects reportedly suffocated inside a police transport van at the premises of the Tinubu Magistrate Court.
In a separate case, Falana urged the Ondo State Attorney-General, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, to prosecute those linked to deaths arising from a mass illness outbreak allegedly associated with locally produced alcoholic and herbal concoctions.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed 48 deaths from 182 reported cases.
The agency also disclosed that five victims were rendered totally blind, while two others suffered partial blindness.
According to NAFDAC, the affected communities include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga, with Odigbo and Araromi-Obu recording the highest number of cases.
NAFDAC further said 15 people had been arrested in connection with the production, sale and distribution of the suspected poisonous beverages.
Falana has consequently called on the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to take over the case and prosecute anyone found responsible for the deaths and injuries.
