Nigeria, Oct. 27 -- A federal government panel investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has attributed their deaths to asphyxiation, or deprivation of adequate oxygen.

Jonathan Kure, chairman of the 10-member independent committee, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel's report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, TheCable reported.

Mr Kure said the committee visited Minna, inspected the detention facility, conducted autopsies, obtained statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, relatives of the deceased and other witnesses, and reviewed documentary and forensic evidence.

He said preliminary finding...