The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has accused the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, of conducting what it described as a biased and selective investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Agada Levi Agada.
The council said the focus of the investigation appeared to have shifted from identifying those responsible for the officer’s killing to the arrest and prosecution of Chief Superintendent of Police, Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, the Executive Director of the council, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, called for an independent, transparent and impartial probe into the matter, stressing that only a comprehensive investigation supervised by relevant federal oversight institutions could restore public confidence.
“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,” Akinlosotu said.
The council’s intervention follows allegations by the NSCDC Mining Marshals that Oyewumi aided Chinese nationals facing trial for alleged illegal mining to evade prosecution. The Marshals claimed 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.
They 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 later tracked to an apartment in Abuja.
Onoja also accused the police officer of obstructing justice, alleging that investigators recovered live ammunition, suspected rare minerals, bank documents and electronic devices from a residence he allegedly shared with the foreign suspects.
However, the council insisted that the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death should remain the priority of investigators.
“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, available information suggested that the officer died during an operation at a mining site and that an autopsy allegedly revealed gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. It added that there were claims the ammunition used might have been traced to the 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,” the council added.
The group also raised concerns over the search conducted at Oyewumi’s residence, alleging that officers broke into the house in search of case files and evidence related to the investigation.
“It has been alleged that the officers who broke into the residence of CSP Oyewumi were specifically searching for the case file and other materials connected to the investigation. They reportedly broke the ceiling and searched virtually every part of the house,” it said.
The council further alleged that Oyewumi’s mobile phone was seized during the operation, noting that the device reportedly contained recorded conversations and materials linking certain individuals to an alleged cover-up.
“We have also received allegations that the officers seized the CSP’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained conversations and confessional evidence… These claims deserve independent scrutiny,” it added.
The council urged investigators to establish whether due process was followed during the search and whether any electronic evidence was lawfully handled.
It also questioned the basis of allegations that Oyewumi aided illegal miners, claiming that information available to it indicated the Chinese nationals involved possessed valid mining licences.
“The legal status of the mining operations must be determined through verified records from relevant regulatory agencies. Allegations should not replace documentary evidence,” the council said.
The group further demanded updates on the investigation into Agada’s death, including whether suspects had been identified, arrests made, and forensic analyses completed.
It also called for clarification on allegations that Mining Marshals had restricted access to mining sites by other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force.
The council urged security agencies to avoid institutional rivalry, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
It called for an independent review of the entire case, stressing that anyone found culpable should be held accountable, regardless of rank or agency, while upholding the constitutional presumption of innocence.