National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada, urging relevant authorities to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Executive Director of the NCSCN, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, said a comprehensive investigation supervised by appropriate federal oversight institutions would help strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The council’s intervention follows allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi assisted Chinese nationals facing trial over alleged illegal mining activities to evade prosecution.
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While noting the allegations, the NCSCN stressed that the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death should remain a key focus of ongoing investigations.
“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.
According to the council, information available to it indicates that Agada died during an operation at a mining site. It also noted reports concerning the outcome of an autopsy and other aspects of the investigation, while emphasising that such claims should be independently verified through due process.
“These issues are significant and require a comprehensive, independent investigation capable of commanding public confidence,” the council stated.
The NCSCN expressed concern that public attention appeared to have shifted from investigating Agada’s death to other related allegations.
“The death of Officer Agada is the central issue. Any investigation into other persons, no matter how significant, should not overshadow efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding his death,” it said.
The council also called for a review of the search conducted at Oyewumi’s residence, urging investigators to establish whether all constitutional and statutory procedures governing search, seizure and the handling of evidence were followed.
It further stated that allegations surrounding the seizure of electronic devices and other materials should be independently examined to determine the facts.
On the allegations involving the Chinese nationals, the NCSCN said the legal status of their mining operations should be determined through official records from the relevant regulatory agencies.
“The legal status of the mining operations must be determined through verified records from the relevant regulatory agencies. Allegations should be assessed alongside documentary evidence obtained through lawful processes,” the council said.
The council also sought updates on the investigation into Agada’s death, including whether forensic examinations, ballistic analyses and other investigative processes had been completed and whether any findings had been forwarded to the appropriate prosecuting authorities.
It further called for clarification on the evidential basis of allegations made against any individual connected to the matter.
“Accountability should always be evidence-based and guided by due process,” the council stated.
The NCSCN also urged authorities to examine concerns relating to coordination among security agencies involved in mining enforcement operations, saying effective inter-agency collaboration was essential to maintaining public confidence.
It called for an independent review of the entire matter under the supervision of the appropriate federal oversight institutions to examine the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death, subsequent investigative actions and any related allegations.
The council maintained that anyone found culpable through due process should be held accountable, while reiterating 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.
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