By George Omagbemi
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has accepted his appointment as a member of the Federal Government’s independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The Federal Government constituted the 10-member committee following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident. The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, as well as representatives of the miners’ association and civil society.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 19, Adeyanju said he accepted the responsibility primarily to ensure that the interests of the victims are adequately represented and that the truth surrounding their deaths is established.
He urged the government not to provide members of the committee with monetary provisions, stipends or honoraria, describing the assignment as a national duty.
Adeyanju said he would not accept any payment and would personally cover his hotel, transportation and other expenses associated with the assignment.
He further pledged not to participate in, or tolerate, any attempt to compromise the investigation or conceal wrongdoing.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” Adeyanju said, insisting that the victims deserve justice.
The committee has been empowered to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, seek memoranda from members of the public and co-opt experts where necessary. It is expected to submit its report to the Minister of Interior within two weeks.
The government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
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