Severe overcrowding, dehydration and negligence by officers caused the deaths of 37 people held in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Minna, Niger State, a probe panel has concluded.

The independent ministerial committee submitted its final 65-page report to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja. The minister pledged full implementation of the findings and ordered the immediate suspension of officers implicated in alleged evidence tampering.

The report rejected earlier claims of a disease outbreak. It found that the victims died from environmental asphyxia and acute respiratory failure caused by prolonged confinement in an overcrowded cell, extreme heat and lack of water.

The incident followed raids on illegal mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi axis of Minna on 15 and 16 September. Investigators established that the operation was carried out without an operational order from NSCDC national headquarters and without the specialised Mining Marshals Unit.

By the evening of 16 September, 75 suspects — including men, women and children — had been detained. About 50 males were held in a cell measuring just 20 square metres.

Distress signals began as early as 7 p.m. that evening. Detainees banged on doors, shouted for help and repeatedly begged for water, but their pleas were allegedly ignored. When the cell was opened the next day, 33 people were dead, including 14 minors. Forty-one others survived.

Receiving the report, Minister Tunji-Ojo said the findings and recommendations would be carefully reviewed and fully implemented. He ordered the suspension of officers linked to alleged tampering with evidence, stressing the need for accountability.

Committee member Deji Adeyanju later raised concerns about a portion of the report but offered further clarification in a subsequent interview.

The report is expected to be forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further action. Attention is now focused on the Federal Government’s implementation of the panel’s recommendations.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents that the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be opened to the public before Christmas, despite missing its earlier September completion target.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during an inspection of the project to assess progress and determine the reasons for the delay. He said the distinctive steel superstructure on the bridge is about 80 per cent complete.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the complex architectural design — inspired by the area’s traditional cane-weaving heritage — involves installing more than 300 tonnes of steel at heights of up to 25 metres.

Three of the four major steel components have been completed, with work ongoing on the remaining one. LED lighting featuring the colours of Lagos State will also be installed to give the structure an iconic appearance.

He emphasised that the state government prioritises engineering quality and public safety over speed. Additional finishing works, including site cleaning, kerb repainting, restoration of affected areas and landscaping, will be carried out before the bridge opens.

The link bridge, which connects Opebi, Mende and Ojota, is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide an alternative route for motorists in the Ikeja, Maryland and surrounding corridors.

Former Arise News Anchor, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu has been appointed Campaign Spokesperson for the Obi/Kwankwaso National Campaign Council. Her appointment is contained in the list of appointments released by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

Ikokwu brings over two decades of experience in journalism across print, radio and television, alongside expertise in political communication, media strategy and international affairs. Her career includes Washington, DC Bureau Chief and Deputy Editor at THISDAY Newspapers, political analyst and anchor at Arise News, and academic work in journalism and communications. She holds a PhD in Journalism and Communications, with research focused on the intersection of media and politics. Ikokwu was also Strategic Communications Adviser to former Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah.

She recently participated in the NDC’s nomination process for the House of Representatives seat for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, and continues to pursue her commitment to public service.

In her new role, Ikokwu will serve as a Spokesperson for the National Campaign Council, helping to communicate Obi/Kwankwaso positions, articulate campaign messages and engage the media on issues relating to the party’s programmes and priorities. Her appointment comes as the party prepares to strengthen its public communications and engagement with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.