The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cleared the Commander of its Mining Marshals unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, of allegations linking him to the alleged diversion of ₦2 billion and a purported cover-up surrounding the death of an operative, Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Levi Agada.
The Corps announced the outcome of its investigation on Wednesday in Abuja while also unveiling disciplinary actions against 79 personnel for various acts of misconduct, including the dismissal of two members of the Mining Marshals unit for allegedly supplying firearms to illegal miners.
Speaking through the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, Commandant-General Ahmed Audi said the Corps' investigation found no evidence implicating Onoja, the lead prosecutor or other members of the Mining Marshals management team in the allegations.
According to the Commandant-General, the investigation concluded that claims linking the commander to the alleged financial diversion and misconduct were unfounded.
"Comprehensive investigations have cleared the Commander, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team of any alleged complicity. Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis," Audi said.
He further stated that investigators found no evidence of premeditated intent in connection with the death of DSC Levi Agada during an operation in Nasarawa State.
The clarification follows months of allegations that associated Onoja and members of his management team with Agada's death, as well as claims of an alleged ₦2 billion diversion.
Onoja had consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false and alleging they were part of a campaign aimed at discrediting the Mining Marshals and undermining the unit's operations against illegal mining activities.
While clearing the commander, the NSCDC announced disciplinary measures against 79 officers for various offences.
Audi disclosed that two operatives attached to the Mining Marshals unit were dismissed from service after investigations established that they unlawfully supplied firearms to illegal miners.
He described their actions as grave misconduct, professional negligence and conduct prejudicial to the discipline and operational integrity of the Corps.
"Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law," he said.
According to the NSCDC, the recommendation for prosecution followed investigations into the operational incident of February 18 in Nasarawa State, during which DSC Agada lost his life.
The Corps maintained that the disciplinary action against the dismissed officers was separate from the allegations previously levelled against Onoja, stressing that the Mining Marshals commander was neither found culpable nor subjected to any administrative sanction.
The Mining Marshals, established to combat illegal mining across the country, have recorded numerous arrests and prosecutions under Onoja's leadership as part of the Federal Government's efforts to protect Nigeria's solid minerals sector.
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