CSOs Raise Alarm Over Alleged Arrest of Police Investigator by NSCDC Mining Marshal Commander
…Question ACC Onoja’s Actions, Demand Independent Probe into Officer’s Death
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) – A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has raised concerns over the alleged arrest of the lead police investigator, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, by the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, describing the development as one capable of undermining ongoing investigations into the death of an NSCDC officer, Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Agada Levi Agada.
CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi who was reportedly arrested. by the NSCDC while investing the death of DSC Agada Levi Agada.
Available reports indicate that the late NSCDC officer died during an operation at a mining site.
Addressing journalists at a world press conference in Abuja on Saturday, July 18, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) said the reported arrest of the investigator has raised serious questions about whether efforts are being made to frustrate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of DSC Agada.
David Okah Kalu, one of the NCSCN leaders who addressed the press, stressed that the Council was not taking sides in the dispute involving the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force or any individual, but insisted that the integrity of the homicide investigation must not be compromised by actions capable of creating the impression of interference.
According to him, “Available reports indicate that the late NSCDC officer died during an operation at a mining site, while an autopsy allegedly revealed that he sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. There are also allegations that the ammunition involved may have originated from the NSCDC armoury, but such claims require thorough forensic verification.”
The coalition expressed concern that, instead of maintaining focus on identifying those responsible for the officer’s death, attention now appears to have shifted to actions against police officers investigating the case.
It specifically questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest of CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi by ACC Attah John Onoja, asking whether the action was intended to obstruct investigations or intimidate officers handling the matter.
The NCSCN also demanded clarification from the NSCDC leadership on whether the Corps was withholding critical information relating to the investigation, warning that any attempt to suppress facts would erode public confidence in the justice system.
The coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission and other oversight bodies to closely monitor the investigation to ensure it remains transparent, impartial and free from institutional interference.
It further requested the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals to publicly clarify the current status of investigations into Agada’s death, disclose whether any suspects have been arrested or charged, and indicate whether autopsy reports, ballistic examinations and other forensic findings have been forwarded to prosecuting authorities.
The Council also demanded full disclosure of the evidence supporting allegations against individuals already under investigation, insisting that any search, arrest or prosecution must strictly comply with constitutional and legal procedures.
In a related development, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) called for an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the case, insisting that justice must be driven by credible evidence rather than speculation.
“The Council urged investigators to examine allegations that officials of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals prevented other federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from accessing mining sites during operations, thereby limiting independent oversight.
“It also called for an investigation into allegations that operatives of the Special Mining Marshals damaged property and carted away valuables during a search of the residence of CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
“Furthermore, the Council sought clarification over reports that ACC Attah John Onoja was invited by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the investigation but allegedly failed to honour the invitation. It urged all persons connected with the matter to cooperate fully with the investigative team.
“The controversy has gone beyond the death of an NSCDC officer and now raises broader concerns about accountability, transparency, inter-agency cooperation and respect for the rule of law.”
The NCSCN maintained that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted regardless of rank or agency, while every suspect must continue to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Council called for an independent federal review of the entire matter, including the circumstances surrounding DSC Agada’s death, the conduct of subsequent investigations, and allegations of obstruction or abuse of process, insisting that only a transparent and credible investigation can restore public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Core Reporters understand that the said autopsy miay not have been carried out–judging from the way the NSCDC senior officer is allegedly conducting himself around the case.
