ABUJA — Former Senator Shehu Sani has described overcrowded detention cells as “hell on earth” while recounting his experience of prolonged detention following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State.
Sani, who spoke in a post on his X platform on Sunday, said his personal experience of detention had exposed him to the harsh conditions that could arise from overcrowding, poor ventilation and extreme heat.
“For those of us who have experienced prolonged detention in a crowded cell, we know the cruelty of the dungeon — the darkness, the asphyxiation, the sweat, the pungent odour, and the tears,” he said.
The former lawmaker said detainees could resort to banging spoons or plates against cell walls when the heat became unbearable, in an attempt to attract attention and obtain fresh air.
“When the heat becomes unbearable, one can only use a spoon or a plate to bang on the wall for some oxygen,” he said.
Sani added that failure to provide ventilation could have dire consequences for detainees.
“If they refuse to open up for a temporary breeze of fresh air, blood can ooze from the nostrils, and then one can only shout and give up,” he said.
Describing overcrowded cells as “hell on earth”, Sani said access to fresh air could become a rare privilege for detainees.
“A congested cell is hell on earth. It is a place where bringing your nose close to the window to breathe is a rare privilege reserved for the strong,” he said.
Reacting to the Niger deaths, Sani said he could relate to the reported experiences of the deceased detainees, whom he referred to as minors.
“I can feel what happened to the Niger minors,” he said.
He called for those found responsible for the deaths to face legal consequences.
“Those who are directly or indirectly involved in this must face the full wrath of the law for the rest of their lives,” Sani added.
The deaths occurred on Thursday, September 17, after dozens of people arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident and suspended officers linked to the deaths pending the outcome of the probe.
Forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, are also being conducted to establish the circumstances and cause of the deaths.
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