By Fatima Saka
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 a biased and selective investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada.
The council alleged that the focus of the investigation appears to have shifted from identifying those responsible for Agada’s killing to the arrest and prosecution of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Executive Director of the NCSCN, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the entire matter, stressing that only a comprehensive probe supervised by relevant federal oversight institutions would restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Akinlosotu said the intervention of the council was not to defend or indict any individual or institution, but to ensure that investigations are conducted professionally, fairly and in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
The NCSCN’s position follows allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that CSP Oyewumi aided Chinese nationals facing trial for alleged illegal mining to evade prosecution. The Marshals claimed that the defendants repeatedly failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompting Justice M.S. Liman to revoke their bail and issue bench warrants for their arrest.
The agency further alleged that Oyewumi, alongside other police officers, facilitated the escape of two suspects through the Nigeria-Cameroon border and was planning to help another defendant flee before he was tracked to an Abuja apartment. Mining Marshal Commander Attah John Onoja also accused Oyewumi of obstructing justice, alleging that investigators recovered live ammunition, suspected rare minerals, bank statements and electronic devices from a residence he allegedly shared with the foreign defendants.
However, the NCSCN questioned the direction of the investigation, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death must remain the central issue.
“The death of Officer Agada is the central issue. Any investigation into other persons, no matter how significant, must not replace or overshadow the search for those responsible for his death,” the council stated.
According to the council, information available to it suggests that Agada died during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy reportedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. It added that there were claims the ammunition used may have been traced to an NSCDC armoury, although it said it could not independently verify 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,” Akinlosotu said.
The council also raised concerns over the conduct of a search carried out at Oyewumi’s residence by NSCDC Mining Marshals. It alleged that officers were specifically searching for a police case file and other materials connected to the investigation into Agada’s death.
“It has been alleged that the officers broke into the residence, damaged parts of the building, including the ceiling, and conducted an extensive search for documents or evidence,” the council said.
The NCSCN further alleged that Oyewumi’s mobile phone was confiscated during the operation, noting that the device reportedly contained recorded conversations and confessional materials linked to alleged attempts to 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 added.
The council urged investigators to establish whether all constitutional and statutory procedures were followed during the search and seizure, including the lawful handling of electronic evidence.
It also questioned the basis upon which Oyewumi was accused of aiding illegal miners, stating that information available to it indicated the Chinese nationals involved may have possessed valid mining licences issued by relevant authorities.
“The legal status of the mining operations must be determined through verified records from the appropriate regulatory agencies. Allegations should not replace documentary evidence,” the council said.
The NCSCN demanded clarity on the status of the investigation into Agada’s death, asking whether those directly responsible had been identified, arrested or prosecuted. It also called for updates on forensic processes, including autopsy findings and ballistic examinations.
The council further sought clarification on the evidence underpinning the allegations against Oyewumi, insisting that accountability must be based on verifiable facts such as documentary records, witness statements and forensic evidence.
Additionally, it raised concerns over alleged restrictions placed by NSCDC Mining Marshals on other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites, warning that such actions could limit independent oversight.
The council also referenced allegations of a midnight operation led by a senior Mining Marshal at the residence of a police officer during which property was reportedly damaged, and questioned reports that the officer involved failed to honour an invitation by the police.
It warned against inter-agency rivalry, noting that such tensions could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
READ ALSO: Troops Rescues 46, Foil ISWAP Abduction Attempt in FGGC Mongunop
Soludo’s Wife Clears Medical Bills of Abused Minor
The NCSCN therefore called for an independent review of the entire matter under the supervision of appropriate federal oversight institutions. It said the review should examine the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death, subsequent investigative actions, and any allegations of obstruction, misconduct or abuse of process.
The council maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable irrespective of rank or agency, while emphasising that all accused persons remain entitled to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
About The Author
