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The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has accused the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, of conducting what it described as a selective and biased investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada.
The council alleged that attention had shifted from identifying those responsible for the officer’s death to pursuing the arrest and prosecution of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Executive Director of the NCSCN, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation supervised by relevant federal oversight institutions.
He said such a probe would restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The council’s intervention followed allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that CSP Oyewumi assisted Chinese nationals standing trial for alleged illegal mining to evade prosecution by helping two suspects escape through the Nigeria-Cameroon border and attempting to facilitate the escape of another defendant.
However, the NCSCN insisted that the investigation into the death of DSC Agada should remain the priority.
“Our intervention is neither to defend nor indict any individual or institution. Rather, it is to ensure that investigations are conducted professionally, fairly, transparently and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” Akinlosotu said.
The council stated that information available to it suggested Agada died during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy allegedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.
It also referred to claims that the ammunition used in the shooting might have originated from the NSCDC armoury, while stressing that it had not independently verified the allegation.
According to the council, such allegations require a comprehensive and independent investigation.
It also expressed concern over reports that officers who searched Oyewumi’s residence were allegedly looking for police case files and other materials relating to the investigation into Agada’s death.
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The NCSCN further alleged that the officers seized Oyewumi’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained recorded conversations and confessional statements relating to the case.
It urged investigators to establish whether due process was followed during the search and seizure and whether all potentially relevant electronic evidence was lawfully handled.
The council also questioned the basis for allegations that Oyewumi aided illegal miners, claiming that the Chinese nationals involved were reportedly operating with valid mining licences issued by relevant government authorities.
It called on investigators to verify the legal status of the mining operations through official records rather than relying solely on allegations.
The NCSCN demanded updates on the investigation into Agada’s death, including whether arrests had been made, whether autopsy and ballistic reports had been completed, and whether the findings had been forwarded for prosecution.
It also requested clarification on the evidence supporting the allegations against Oyewumi, insisting that accountability must be based on verifiable facts rather than speculation.
The council further urged an investigation into allegations that officials of the NSCDC Mining Marshals prevented other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites.
It also sought clarification over reports that a senior Mining Marshal led a midnight operation at the residence of a Chief Superintendent of Police during which property was allegedly damaged and valuables taken, while also allegedly failing to honour an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.
The NCSCN urged all security agencies to avoid institutional rivalry capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.
It maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable regardless of rank or agency, while emphasising that every accused person is entitled to a fair hearing and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
