NCSCN Demands Independent Probe into NSCDC Officer’s Death, Alleges Investigation Has Been Diverted

By Pan Afric Reporters

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada, alleging that the ongoing probe has shifted focus from identifying those responsible for the officer’s death to the prosecution of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.

The civil society group, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, expressed concern over what it described as a selective and biased approach by the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, insisting that only a comprehensive investigation supervised by appropriate federal oversight institutions would restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

Speaking on behalf of the council, its Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, stressed that the organisation was neither defending nor condemning any individual or institution but was advocating adherence to due process, fairness and the rule of law.

“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 stated.

The NCSCN’s intervention follows allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that CSP Oyewumi assisted Chinese nationals standing trial over alleged illegal mining activities to evade prosecution after they repeatedly failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court subsequently revoked their bail and issued bench warrants for their arrest.

The Mining Marshals also accused Oyewumi and other police officers of facilitating the escape of two suspects through the Nigeria-Cameroon border and attempting to help another defendant flee before his arrest in Abuja. The agency further alleged that investigators recovered live ammunition, suspected rare minerals, financial records and electronic devices during a search of an apartment allegedly occupied by Oyewumi and the Chinese nationals.

However, the NCSCN questioned the direction of the investigation, insisting that uncovering the truth behind Officer Agada’s death should remain the priority.

According to the council, information available to it indicated that Agada was killed during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy allegedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.

The organisation further noted claims that the ammunition allegedly used in the shooting had been traced to the NSCDC armoury, although it acknowledged it had not independently verified the allegation.

“These allegations are far too serious to be ignored. Whether ultimately established or disproved, they require a comprehensive and independent investigation capable of commanding public confidence,” the council stated.

The group also raised concerns over the search conducted by NSCDC Mining Marshals at Oyewumi’s residence, alleging that officers were searching specifically for the police investigation file and other documents relating to Agada’s death.

According to the council, the officers allegedly searched every part of the residence, including the ceiling, where they believed documents or evidence could have been concealed.

It further alleged that the officers confiscated Oyewumi’s mobile phone, claiming the device reportedly contained conversations and confessional statements linked to alleged attempts to suppress or manipulate the investigation into Agada’s death.

“We have also received allegations that the officers seized the CSP’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained conversations and confessional evidence from persons allegedly linking certain individuals to attempts to suppress or cover up aspects of the investigation. These claims deserve independent scrutiny because, if true, they could have significant implications for the integrity of the investigation,” the council said.

The NCSCN urged investigators to determine whether all constitutional and statutory procedures governing searches, seizures and the handling of electronic evidence were fully complied with.

The council also challenged the basis for the allegations against Oyewumi, arguing that information available to it suggested the Chinese nationals involved possessed valid mining licences issued by relevant government authorities.

“The legal status of the mining operations must be determined through verified records from the relevant regulatory agencies. If the individuals being described as illegal miners were indeed operating under valid mining certificates or licences, that fact must form part of any fair and objective investigation. Allegations should not replace documentary evidence,” it stated.

The council demanded updates on the investigation into Agada’s death, asking whether suspects had been identified, arrested or charged and whether forensic examinations, including autopsy and ballistic reports, had been concluded and forwarded for prosecution.

It also sought clarification on the evidence supporting allegations against CSP Oyewumi, insisting that any criminal accusation must be backed by documentary records, forensic findings, electronic evidence and credible witness testimony.

The NCSCN further called for an investigation into allegations that NSCDC Mining Marshals prevented other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites, thereby limiting independent oversight.

It equally referenced reports of a midnight operation allegedly led by a senior Mining Marshal at the residence of a Chief Superintendent of Police, during which property was reportedly damaged and valuables taken, while seeking clarification over claims that the officer later failed to honour an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.

The council urged all security agencies to avoid inter-agency rivalry capable of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.

It therefore called for an independent review of the entire matter under the supervision of relevant federal oversight institutions to examine the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death, subsequent investigative actions and allegations of obstruction, misconduct or abuse of process.

According to the NCSCN, anyone found culpable should be prosecuted regardless of status or agency, while every accused person must continue to enjoy the constitutional right to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.