NCSCN Raises Concerns Over NSCDC Mining Marshals’ Investigation of Agada’s Death
The 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, expressing concern that the probe has shifted from identifying those responsible for the officer’s killing to pursuing allegations against Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Executive Director of the NCSCN, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, said the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death should remain the central focus of investigators. He stressed that only a comprehensive investigation supervised by relevant federal oversight institutions would restore public confidence in the justice system.
The council’s position follows allegations by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals that CSP Oyewumi assisted Chinese nationals standing trial for alleged illegal mining to evade prosecution.
According to the Mining Marshals, the defendants repeatedly failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja, leading Justice M.S. Liman to revoke their bail and issue bench warrants for their arrest.
The NSCDC further alleged that Oyewumi, alongside other police officers, facilitated the escape of two suspects through the Nigeria-Cameroon border and attempted to assist another defendant before he was tracked to an apartment in Abuja. The Mining Marshals also claimed that investigators recovered live ammunition, suspected rare minerals, bank statements and electronic devices from the residence where Oyewumi allegedly lived with the Chinese nationals.
However, Akinlosotu maintained that the death of Officer Agada should not be overshadowed by other 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,” he said.
The council stated that information available to it indicated that Agada died during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy allegedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. It also noted claims that the ammunition allegedly used in the shooting may have been traced to the NSCDC armoury, while stressing that it could not independently verify the allegation.
According to the NCSCN, such claims require a thorough and independent investigation capable of commanding public confidence.
The council also raised concerns over the search conducted at Oyewumi’s residence by NSCDC Mining Marshals.
It alleged that the officers were searching for the police case file relating to Agada’s death and other materials connected to the investigation. The council claimed the officers searched virtually every part of the house, including the ceiling, in an effort to locate relevant documents.
The NCSCN further alleged that Oyewumi’s mobile phone was confiscated during the operation and claimed the device contained conversations and confessional materials allegedly linking certain individuals to efforts to suppress or influence the investigation into Agada’s death.
It urged investigators to determine whether due legal procedures were followed during the search and seizure and whether any electronic evidence was lawfully handled.
The council also questioned the allegation that the Chinese nationals were involved in illegal mining, stating that information available to it suggested they possessed valid mining licences issued by relevant government authorities.
It said the legal status of the mining operations should be determined through official records rather than allegations.
The NCSCN further demanded updates on the investigation into Agada’s death, including whether suspects had been identified, arrests made, forensic examinations completed and prosecutions initiated.
It also called for clarification on the evidence supporting the allegations against CSP Oyewumi, insisting that accountability must be based on verifiable evidence, including documentary records, witness statements, electronic communications and forensic findings.
Additionally, the council requested an investigation into allegations that officials of the NSCDC Mining Marshals prevented other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites, thereby limiting independent oversight.
The NCSCN also sought clarification over allegations 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 reportedly failing to honour an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.
The council urged all security agencies to avoid institutional rivalry capable of undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
It called for an independent review of the entire matter under the supervision of appropriate federal oversight institutions to examine the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death, the subsequent investigations and any allegations of obstruction, misconduct, abuse of process or other unlawful conduct.
The NCSCN maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable regardless of rank or agency, while emphasizing that every accused person is entitled to fair hearing and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
