Falana writes FG, demands information on strange deaths, mass burials in Kano

Falana writes FG, demands information on strange deaths, mass burials in Kano
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has demanded for explanation from the Federal Government on the strange deaths and burials in Kano State.

Falana, in the letter, dated April 26, 2020 and addressed to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, wrote as the Interim Chairman of Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 Action Programme and Beyond.

In the last two weeks, between 150 and 640 persons had been reported dead and buried in the state.

The letter reads in full:

April 26, 2020

Dr. Osagie Ehanire,
Minister of Health,
Federal Ministry of Health,
New Federal Secretariat Complex, Ahmadu Bello Way, Phase III, Abuja.
Email: info@fmh.gov.ng

Dear Honourable Minister,

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON STRANGE DEATHS AND MASS BURIALS IN KANO STATE PURSUANT TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

During a press briefing held at Abuja a week ago, you did announce that the Federal Ministry of Health, the Kano State Chief Epidemiologist, Officials of the Kano Public Health Department and those of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had commenced investigation into the strange deaths and mass burials currently  going on in Kano State.

However, we are disturbed to note that the burials have since continued without any official information on the cause of the strange deaths. The people of Kano State and Nigerians in general are worried over the worsening health crisis as it may spread to other parts of Kano State not yet affected as well as other parts of the country if not urgently addressed. But since the Kano State Government is completely overwhelmed we hereby call on  the Federal Government  to take over the management of the crisis without any further delay.

In addition,  we are compelled to request for a certified true copy of the report of the joint investigation conducted by the Federal and Kano State Ministries of Health into the strange deaths and mass burials taking place in Kano State. The report should include the nature and cause of the deaths, the number of casualties and patients currently undergoing treatment in hospitals as well as an outline of the measures being put in place by the Federal Government to stop the strange deaths involving mass burials.

As this request is made pursuant to provisions of the Freedom of Information Act you are required to furnish us with the information within seven days of the receipt of this letter.

Take notice that if you fail to accede to our request we shall not hesitate to invoke the relevant provisions of the law to compel official disclosure of the findings of the joint team constituted to investigate the cause of the strange deaths and mass burials in Kano State.

Yours Sincerely,

Femi Falana SAN

Interim Chairman

Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 Action Programme and Beyond.