IBB Dismisses Mine Ownership Claims, Urges Full Probe of Minna Custodial Deaths

Former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has strongly denied any connection to the gold-mining site in Minna, Niger State, where dozens of suspected illegal miners were arrested before 37 of them died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

In a statement issued on Saturday through his representative, Tambari Kagara, Alhaji Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, Babangida described reports linking him to the site as “totally false and without foundation.” He demanded an immediate correction of the impression created by the claims.

“It’s on record that General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the Madakin Minna, has lived closely and peacefully with his people since retirement in 1993,” the statement said. “At 85, what he requires is prayers, not blackmail.”

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The denial followed allegations by a survivor, Malam Babawo Tudun Nasera, who told Sahara Reporters that the site belonged to Babangida and that the former head of state had directed the miners to continue working despite earlier warnings from authorities. The claim has not been independently verified.

Babangida had earlier condemned the deaths, calling them “tragic” and “deeply disturbing.” He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and voiced support for a transparent investigation. He also welcomed the steps taken by the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Interior, including a committee of inquiry and forensic examinations.

Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar similarly described the loss of the 37 young people as painful for their families, communities, Niger State and the nation. He called for an in-depth probe to establish the circumstances and prevent a recurrence.

The miners were among scores arrested by NSCDC operatives on September 15 and 16 during operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and other areas in Minna. They were held at the corps’ detention facility along David Mark Road. In the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 37 were found dead. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a “suspected disease outbreak,” but survivors and state officials have pointed to severe overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and possible suffocation in a poorly ventilated cell said to have held up to 65 people.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed the death toll and suspended the state NSCDC commandant and other officers. He noted that possible causes under investigation include suffocation from overcrowding and exposure to hazardous chemicals used in illegal mining. The federal government has since constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident, while the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, named 21 suspended officers. The National Human Rights Commission has also begun a preliminary inquiry.

Civil society groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association and Women in Mining Nigeria, have demanded a thorough, independent probe that extends beyond the detention conditions to identify the owners, controllers and financiers of the illegal mining operations. They have also called for independent monitoring of autopsies and accountability for any negligence or abuse of power.

Protests erupted in Minna after the deaths were announced, with some demonstrators expressing anger over the treatment of the mostly young detainees, some of whom were reported to be teenagers or younger. Families have demanded justice and compensation, describing the loss of breadwinners and children as devastating.

As investigations continue, authorities have urged calm while emphasising the need for transparency to establish the true cause of the deaths and ensure such a tragedy is not repeated.